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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, 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 position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established 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 reported 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 shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.