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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving 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 was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.