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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, 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 led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.