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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.