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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message 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.