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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 comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after 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 spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party'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 established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other 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 free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.