🔗 Share this article Nepal's Electoral Scene Sees Significant Alliance Formed Between Media Personality and Ex-Rapper Mayor In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster 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 former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties. "Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized. The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics. Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved. Broader Political Discussions Underway In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising. Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.