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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.