🔗 Share this article The Himalayan nation's Political Landscape Sees Significant Alliance Formed By Media Personality and Former Musician Mayor In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government. A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life. "Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed. The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption. Details of the New Electoral Agreement According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. 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, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved. Wider Government Consultations Underway In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests. Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.