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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address 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 pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal 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 candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country'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 involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.