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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

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

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.