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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee 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 public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held 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 player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.