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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.