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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

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

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the positions 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 player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.