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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.