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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth 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 highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.