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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political 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 party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad 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 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.