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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. 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 related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.