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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to 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 shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.