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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.