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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, 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 fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

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

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.