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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.