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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

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

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.