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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported 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 current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.