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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms 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 leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.