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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position 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 broad discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

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

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.