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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent 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 nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.