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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official 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 alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged 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 shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.