KATHMANDU—In a move that has political analysts questioning whether they’ve tuned into MTV or the Nepali Parliament, Kathmandu mayor and former freestyle battle champion Balendra “Balen” Shah has joined forces with TV presenter and perennial game-show contestant Rabi Lamichhane to form Nepal’s first pop-culture-based government alliance. The duo announced their partnership by releasing a collaborative single, “Vote For Me (And Also Him),” complete with choreographed dance moves and barely disguised autotune.

The new coalition, named ‘Rastriya Swatantra Party Featuring Balen,’ has promised sweeping reforms, including mandatory rap battles before every budget hearing and a national holiday for “Youth Instagram Reel Appreciation Day.” Political strategists warn this could finally attract the “people who only watch debate highlights on TikTok” demographic.

“We will bring back trust in government—right after a quick commercial break,” said Lamichhane, pausing to fix his hair for the cameras. “We want policies as fresh as our Spotify playlists and as transparent as our Instagram stories.”

The alliance has already promised radical changes, including a parliamentary session live-streamed in vertical video. “Every law passed will be available as a remix,” declared Mayor Balen, while gesturing with a diamond-studded gavel. “We’re not just governing, we’re vibing.”

Longtime political science professor Meena Gurung expressed both admiration and confusion: “I’m not sure if these are campaign promises or TikTok trends. Either way, it’s the most attention my classes have ever received.”

As opponents scramble to recruit folk singers and cricket commentators to stay relevant, analysts predict Nepal’s next cabinet meeting will be sponsored by Red Bull.