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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.