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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads 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 promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.