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

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation'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 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 current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.