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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster 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 publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream 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 holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.