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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure 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 younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad 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 not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.