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

A Pledge 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 publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, 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 dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.