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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure 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 Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.