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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

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

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.