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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.