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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," 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 acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled 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 established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged 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 ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.