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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

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

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position 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 broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.