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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook 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 heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older 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 involving alleged 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 ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.