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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged 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 shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.