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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official 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 alliance's nominee for the position 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 broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.