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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate 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 public dissatisfaction 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 alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several 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.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.