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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set 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 country's established political class. He has previously held 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 player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks included 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 took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.