🔗 Share this article Nepal's Electoral Scene Sees Major Partnership Formed By TV Host and Former Musician Mayor In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government. A Commitment to Address Youth Demands 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 grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties. "Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized. The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics. Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved. Broader Political Discussions Underway In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising. Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.