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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration 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 longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.