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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.