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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.