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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held the posts 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.