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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. 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 involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.