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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported 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 shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.