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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived 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 political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously 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 player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.