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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal 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 former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions 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 seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.