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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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 established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.