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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions 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 candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions 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 player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.