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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address 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 focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.