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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge 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 pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country'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 released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.