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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, 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 TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts 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 current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.