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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent 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 officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.