🔗 Share this article Nepal's Political Landscape Witnesses Major Partnership Formed Between TV Host and Ex-Rapper Mayor In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government. A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life. "Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed. The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics. Terms of the New Electoral Partnership According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed. Wider Political Discussions Taking Place In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests. Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.