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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment 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 publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.