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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure 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 raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.