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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country'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 reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved 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 took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.