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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in 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 former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.