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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee 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 founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.