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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. 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 popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held 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 figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.