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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position 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 public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

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