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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established 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 released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.