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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to 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 raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.