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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. 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 alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.