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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting 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 pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying 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 official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role 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, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.