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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's 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 grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.