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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.