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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

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

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.