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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth 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 grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles 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 alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.