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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-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 dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.