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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address 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 publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.