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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles 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 candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.