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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address 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 prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation'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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.