š Share this article Nepal's Political Scene Witnesses Major Partnership Forged Between TV Host and Ex-Rapper Mayor In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government. A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life. "Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed. The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics. Details of the New Electoral Partnership According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed. Wider Political Consultations Underway In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising. Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.