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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.