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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.