π Share this article Nepal's Electoral Landscape Sees Significant Partnership Forged Between 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 coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government. A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties. "Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized. The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics. Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed. Wider Government Discussions Underway In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising. After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.