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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile 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 led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details 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 party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.