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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.