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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal 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 Demands

Media figure 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 younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, 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 position 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 broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed 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 uncertainty.