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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster 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 one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the positions 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.