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

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson 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 well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.