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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson 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 TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction 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 involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial 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 message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.