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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.