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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles 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 candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

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