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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle 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 publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.