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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role 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, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported 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 transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.