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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, 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 acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, 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 nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.