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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth 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 issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching 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 role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held 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 central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

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 dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.