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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.