đź”— Share this article Nepal's Electoral Scene Witnesses Significant Alliance Forged By Media Personality and Ex-Rapper Mayor In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government. A Commitment 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 pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties. "Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized. The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics. Details of the New Political Agreement According to the formal 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 alliance's candidate for the position 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, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed. Wider Political Consultations Taking Place In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising. After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.