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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.