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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

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 issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past served in 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.