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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster 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 pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying 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 pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.