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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.