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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving 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 shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.