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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

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 grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported 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 current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.