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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge 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 focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. 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 involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.