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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled 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 nation's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.