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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged 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 played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.