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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role 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 country's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-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 removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.