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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 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 ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.