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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure 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 commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the positions 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 viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

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