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

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

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

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction 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 freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.