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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader 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, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.