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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes 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 Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

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

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.