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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle 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 new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad 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 released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.