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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.