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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

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 highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.