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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.