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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 comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details 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 party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country'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 related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.