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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

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

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.