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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth 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 focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.