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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political class. 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.