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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

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

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

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. 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 alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.