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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate 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, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.