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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

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

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to 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 setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.