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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt 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 years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations 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 chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.