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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.