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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

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

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

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, 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 other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.