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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.