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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions 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 position 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 public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.