Absence of Candidates Disrupts SEBON Chairman Selection Process; Three Candidates Absent Again

Despite being summoned for presentations and interviews on Wednesday, the three candidates shortlisted for the position of Chairman of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) were again absent, leading to further delays in the selection process. The interviews, scheduled for 9 AM, saw no attendance from the candidates.

Previously, the selection committee had called all five shortlisted candidates for presentations and interviews on Sunday. However, only two candidates, Santosh Narayan Shrestha and Mukti Nath Shrestha, Executive Director of SEBON, attended. The remaining three candidates—Krishna Bahadur Karki, Chiranjibi Chapagain, and Dr. Nabaraj Adhikari—were absent. As a result, they were summoned again for a 9 AM session on Wednesday (today).

The likelihood of the Chairman appointment process being canceled is now high. The selection committee is mandated to recommend at least three candidates to the Council of Ministers. According to Sub-section 4 of Section 7 of the Securities Act, "The committee shall recommend the names of at least three individuals who meet the qualifications as per this Act."

Since three of the five shortlisted candidates failed to attend the interview, it is legally untenable to recommend only the two who did attend. Consequently, the entire recommendation process faces cancellation, casting uncertainty over the appointment of the SEBON Chairman.