🔗 Share this article The Himalayan nation's Political Scene Sees Major Partnership Forged By TV Host and Former Musician Mayor In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government. A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns Media figure 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 raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties. "Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed. The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics. Details of the Fresh Political Partnership According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee 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 founded the RSP in 2022, capturing 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 involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed. Wider Political Consultations Underway In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising. After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.