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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.