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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two 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 Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party'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 widespread discontent with the nation's older 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.