🔗 Share this article Nepal's Electoral Landscape Sees Major Alliance Formed Between TV Host and Former Musician Mayor In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government. A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life. "Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed. The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics. Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed. Broader Political Discussions Underway In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising. Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.