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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

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 grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

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

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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 founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged 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 shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

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

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.