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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported 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 transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared 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 eliminate any uncertainty.