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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host 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 issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

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

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-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 took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.