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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee 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 widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in 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 ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.