🔗 Share this article Nepal's Electoral Landscape Sees Major Alliance Formed By Media Personality and Ex-Rapper Mayor In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government. A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life. "Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized. The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics. Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation'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 involving 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 shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved. Broader Government Consultations Taking Place In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising. Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.