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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.