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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past held 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 player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. 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.