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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official 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 nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 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 previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player 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 Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.