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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.