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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established 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 not long ago freed 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.