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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.