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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 joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent 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 position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts 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 seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

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