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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

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

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role 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 broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major 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 shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.