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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 fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.