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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted 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 must 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 acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.