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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Television host 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 comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.