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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.