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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.