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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal 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 well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.