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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past 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 figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

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