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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

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 position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older 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 reported 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 was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.