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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle 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 vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.