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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older 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 related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize 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 environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.