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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate 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, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.