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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past 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 figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.