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In a notable 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 widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.