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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past served in 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.