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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 emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh 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 party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled 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 older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.