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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.