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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee 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 class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.