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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September revolt 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 years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent 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 popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.