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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities 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 removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.