🔗 Share this article Nepal's Electoral Scene Sees Major Alliance Forged By TV Host and Ex-Rapper Mayor In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government. A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands 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 grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties. "Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized. The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption. Terms of the New Political Partnership According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved. Wider Political Consultations Underway In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising. Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.