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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.