GS 2

Traditionally, the senior-most Election Commissioner would succeed as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). However, the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023 has altered this practice. The Act enables a wider pool of candidates to be considered for the position of CEC. The current CEC, Rajiv Kumar, is set to retire on February 18, 2025.

The Ministry of Law will establish a Search Committee, chaired by the Law Minister, to create a panel of five candidates. This panel will be presented to the Selection Committee, which comprises the Prime Minister, a Cabinet minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

According to Section 6 of the Act, the committee will consist of the Law Minister and two other members of Secretary rank within the Government of India. This system aims to ensure a more diverse and representative selection process.

Inclusion of External Candidates
An aspect of the new Act is the provision to consider candidates outside the current pool of Election Commissioners. While Gyanesh Kumar remains a potential candidate for the CEC role, the Act opens the possibility for qualified individuals from outside the Election Commission to be appointed.

Published by Pragyanxetu

One Earth. One Future