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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 large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official pact, 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 party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.