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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions 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 alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.