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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

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

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

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

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.