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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral 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. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.