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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival 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 free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.