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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting 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 pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions 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 nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major 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 responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.