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In a significant development 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 large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.