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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.