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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.