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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

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

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.