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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions 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 key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.