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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 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 Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.