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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.