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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's 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 raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established 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 related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

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 secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.