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In a notable development 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 deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked 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 acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role 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 discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.