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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set 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 country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.