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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's 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 focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles 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 party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported 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 ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

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

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.