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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Television host 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 new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

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