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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country'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 involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.