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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.