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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles 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 party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated 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.