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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.