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

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee 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 founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.