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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching 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 candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.