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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, 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 led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged 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 shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.