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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role 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 widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

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

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.