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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. 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 Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, 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 candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.