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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.