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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle 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 focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to 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 shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.