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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge 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 publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.