🔗 Share this article The Himalayan nation's Political Landscape Sees Major Alliance Formed By Media Personality and Former Musician Mayor In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government. A Pledge to Address Youth Demands Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties. "Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized. The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics. Terms of the New Electoral Partnership According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed. Broader Government Discussions Underway In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests. Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared 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.