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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated 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 action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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, capturing widespread discontent with the nation'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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.