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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

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

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. 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 fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.