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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair 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 remove any room for doubt.