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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-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 interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.