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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported 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 played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.