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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth 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 issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising 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 economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader 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 well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.