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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

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

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.