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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

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 highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.