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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests 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 country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent 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 role 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 widespread discontent 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 reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.