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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

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

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation'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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.