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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in 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 officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate 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, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.