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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

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