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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

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 comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously 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 key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.