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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent 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 prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 key player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included 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 emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.