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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

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

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. 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 reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.