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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"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 action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.