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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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 established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political class. 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.