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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official 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 candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.