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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.