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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption 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 nation requires," 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 served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate 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, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. 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 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 setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.