Nepal govt appoints CEC for constituent assembly election

Kathmandu, Oct 30 (UNI) The Nepal government has appointed former Home Secretary Bhojraj Pokharel as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) as part of the preparation for the constituent assembly elections next year.

Mr Pokharel, who was recommended for the job before the take over by the King, was rejected by the palace. This is the first time that the CEC has been appointed by the government after the approval of the parliamentary hearing committee.

Prior to the drastic change in the state affairs by Parliament, such appointments were used to be made by the King.

The other members of the commission are in the process of nomination and the committee of Parliament is hearing the nomination of two commissioners.

The government and the Maoists have agreed to hold the election of the constituent assembly by mid June next year to write a new constitution and decide the fate of monarchy.

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