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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment 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 focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding 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 eliminate any room for doubt.