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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent 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 grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee 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 established 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 not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.