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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party'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, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the positions 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.