The Parliamentary Hearing Committee has endorsed Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya for the post of chief election commissioner. The committee approved his name after conducting a hearing on Wednesday.

The Constitutional Council had recommended former Secretary Thapaliya for post of chief commissioner that had been lying vacant after the retirement of Ayodhee Prasad Yadav. Prior to this, Thapaliya had served as secretary at the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration.

During the parliamentary hearing, lawmaker of the opposition Nepali Congress raised questions over his eligibility for the post accusing him of having allegiance to the ruling Nepal Communist Party.

Thapaliya presented his plans for reforms in the commission and electoral system once after his appointment. He pledged to hold a free and fair election, ensure voting rights for the people living in foreign countries, and upgrade the election system.  

Thapaliya expressed his commitment to make the Election Commission ready for holding election anytime and conduct the by-elections within the next three months.

He defended the complaints lodge against him, saying that he worked according to the law and mandate of the government. Five complaints were lodged against Thapaliya accusing him of discrimination during the integration of civil servants in federal and provincial level, and working against the spirit of the constitution.

Likewise, the committee endorsed Bishnu Maya Ojha as a member of National Inclusion Commission.