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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment 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 focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place 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 after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.