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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment 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 highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The late summer uprising 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 economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.