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The official site of Surya Prasad Shrestha
Surya Prasad Shrestha is a Nepali former civil servant, diplomat and writer best known for serving as Chief Election Commissioner of Nepal during key democratic transitions. He played a major role in shaping Nepal’s electoral system during the Panchayat and early multiparty democratic eras. He served as Chief Election Commissioner during the 1980s and early 1990s, overseeing landmark elections including the 1986 Panchayat election and the 1991 parliamentary election after Nepal’s democratic transition. His leadership emphasized institutional continuity, fairness and strengthening electoral administration. Earlier, he held senior civil service positions including Secretary at Home Ministry, Zonal Commissioner of Bagmati Zone and Associate Member of the National Planning Commission. After his tenure at the Election Commission, he served as Nepal’s Ambassador to the UK, contributing to diplomatic relations during a period of political change.
Writing and Publications: Shrestha is also an author. His autobiography Suryaasta-Bimba (Reflections of his Setting Life) offers a personal account of his life, his contributions and Nepal’s political history. In 2026, he published- Democracy and Public Mandate: Nepal Election Analysis (लोकतन्त्र र जनअभिमत : नेपालको निर्वाचन नालीबेली), analyzing Nepal’s electoral evolution, comparision of all eight democratic elections of Nepal and highlighting concerns such as rising election costs, pre-poll alliances and declining voter trust.
Legacy: Regarded as a bridge between Nepal’s monarchic and republican systems, he is respected for his contributions to electoral integrity, democratic reform, diplomacy and public administration. His experience in governance, electoral administration and diplomacy continues to inform discussions on institutional independence, democratic reform, and public accountability in Nepal.
