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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. 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 involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions 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 emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.