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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by public anger 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 accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

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

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.