🔗 Share this article Nepal's Political Scene Sees Significant Partnership Forged By TV Host and Ex-Rapper Mayor In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government. A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life. "Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed. The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics. Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership According to the formal agreement, the roles 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 party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed. Wider Political Consultations Underway In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests. After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.