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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching 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 nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

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

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.