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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 widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position 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, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. He has previously held 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 setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.