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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment 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 vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.