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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread 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 Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads 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 promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread 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 released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.