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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent 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 nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.