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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. 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 central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.