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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party'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 broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.