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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent 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 seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.