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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host 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 commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation'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 involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.