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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party'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 established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.