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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions 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 alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.