đŸ”— Share this article The Himalayan nation's Political Scene Sees Significant Alliance Formed By Media Personality and Former Musician Mayor In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government. A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands 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 raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties. "Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized. The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics. Details of the New Electoral Agreement According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. 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 related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved. Wider Political Discussions Taking Place In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising. After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.