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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

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