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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth 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 focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously held 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.