🔗 Share this article Nepal's Electoral Landscape Sees Significant 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 teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government. A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties. "Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized. The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics. Terms of the New Electoral Agreement According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed. Broader Government Discussions Taking Place In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests. Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.