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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent 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 role 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, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

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

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.