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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's 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 Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country'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 seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.