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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee 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 established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.