🔗 Share this article Nepal's Political Landscape Sees Significant Alliance Formed By TV Host and Ex-Rapper Mayor In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government. A Pledge to Address 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 pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life. "Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed. The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics. Terms of the New Political Agreement According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. 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 involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed. Broader Government Consultations Underway In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests. After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.