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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.