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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts 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 seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

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