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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to 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 finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal 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 founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.