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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.