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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role 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, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to 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 shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.