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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment 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 officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.