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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, 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 scheduled 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 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 current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed 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.