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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting 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 officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.