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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed 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 significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set 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 country'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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.