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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major 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 conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.