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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously held the positions 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.