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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

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

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson 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 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.