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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message 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 room for doubt.