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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale 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 Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.