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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past held 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.