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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously held 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.