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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host 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 promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.