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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded 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 freed 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 ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.