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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.