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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address 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 officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.