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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson 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 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.