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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal 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 alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.