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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's established 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

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