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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously 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 key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.