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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.