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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address 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 vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the positions 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 ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

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 ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.