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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster 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 publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.