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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 coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to 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 vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, 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 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.