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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position 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 discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.