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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 protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

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

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.