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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee 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 established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.