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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson 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 well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.