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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address 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 vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions 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 popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.