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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth 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 prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported 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 was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.