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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 aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.