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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

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