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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's 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 grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

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

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

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 candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.