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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement 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 catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.