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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

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 raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

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

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.