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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

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

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.