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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party'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, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.