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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details 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. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.