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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.