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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader 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 popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged 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 shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.