Kathmandu : After facing strong opposition from the Parliamentary Hearing Committee, Krishnaman Pradhan, who was nominated to be the Election Commissioner, has withdrawn his name from consideration.

Pradhan formally notified the Parliamentary Hearing Committee of his withdrawal through a written application. A meeting was scheduled for 11 a.m. to discuss Pradhan’s nomination.

However, with no Members of Parliament (MPs) appearing in his support, Pradhan requested to allow him to withdraw his name voluntarily, rather than facing a formal rejection.

Subsequently, the committee meeting was rescheduled to 5 p.m. for further deliberations.

The Constitutional Council had recommended Pradhan for the role of Election Commissioner, and the parliamentary committee had previously conducted a hearing with him.

According to constitutional provisions, the President is to make the appointment following the committee’s approval.

The Parliamentary Committee unanimously determined that Pradhan did not meet the constitutional requirement of “high moral character.”

The Committee received multiple complaints alleging that Pradhan had sexually exploited a woman in exchange for a job and had settled a court case with a significant financial payout.

The Committee received five complaints against Pradhan. One complainant alleged sexual abuse and provided evidence, including a court settlement agreement and a payment check, to support her claims.

She explained that the settlement was influenced by her fear of future hardship due to physical damage she suffered.