🔗 Share this article Nepal's Electoral Scene Witnesses Significant Partnership Forged By Media Personality and Former Musician Mayor In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government. A Pledge to Address Youth Demands Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties. "Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized. The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption. Details of the New Political Agreement According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved. Broader Government Consultations Underway In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests. After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.