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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

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

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

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved 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 state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.