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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.