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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting 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 younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position 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, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions 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 seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.