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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.