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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle 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 publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent 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 formal pact, the roles 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 alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation'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 reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.