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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.