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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate 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, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message 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.