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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.