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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

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

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.