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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant 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 late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

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 affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.