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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge 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 officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions 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 central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.