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

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's established political class. 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.