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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New 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 alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-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 current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.