Senior advocate Bijaya Prasad Mishram who has been elected president of the Nepal Bar Association, pledged to address distortion and irregularities in the judiciary during his term.

Speaking after Thursday’s result announcement, Mishra said his leadership would work to ensure judicial reform and uphold the autonomy of the legal system. “Our team will work to bring transparency, integrity, and meaningful change in the judiciary. This isn’t about speeches—it’s about results,” he said.

Mishra secured 5,052 votes, defeating senior advocate Raman Kumar Shrestha, who received 2,621 votes. Mishra was backed by legal groups affiliated with the ruling Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, while Shrestha was supported by lawyers close to the CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party, and CPN (Unified Socialist).

The newly elected president also promised to implement reforms proposed by the report prepared by former Supreme Court Justice Hari Krishna Karki, including changes in the structure and working procedures of the Judicial Council.

Mishra's panel swept the key leadership positions. Senior advocate Kedar Prasad Koirala was elected general secretary, and Jagat Bahadur Karki won the post of treasurer. All seven provincial vice-presidents were elected from Mishra’s panel, including representatives from Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces.

The new leadership has also committed to promoting ethical standards among lawyers, expanding legal training through the Lawyers’ Academy, and strengthening both national and international partnerships.

Mishra stated that the Nepal Bar Association under his leadership will work to make justice accessible to all and support the rights and welfare of legal professionals, especially young and underrepresented lawyers.

Elections for the Bar’s 27th central committee were held on Saturday, with approximately 80 percent turnout from 9,957 eligible voters across 36 polling centres nationwide.