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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake 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 Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, 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 candidate for the position 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, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.