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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable 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 triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks 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 conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.