Must Read

Selection process for next CEC gets wider; panel may pick even an outsider

By IndianMandarins- 11 Jan 2025
1412

selection-process-for-next-cec-gets-wider-panel-may-pick-even-an-outsider

New Delhi (11.01.2025): With a new Chief Election Commissioner And Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service And Term of Office) Act, 2023 in place, the selection process of the new CEC will now have a wider consultation. The tenure of current CEC Rajiv Kumar (Retd IAS: 1984: JH) is ending on February 18, 2025. The Law Ministry will begin the process soon. Out of the two election commissioners — Gyanesh Kumar (Retd IAS: 1988: KL) and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu (Retd IAS: 1988: UK), the former could still be in contention. As per Sections 6 and 7 of the Act, the Ministry of Law will set up a Search Committee chaired by the Union Law Minister to prepare a panel of five names for the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee, comprising the Prime Minister, a Cabinet Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, can select from this panel or consider “any other person” from outside. Section 6 of the Act specifies this process for the appointment of the CEC and other ECs. Even as Gyanesh Kumar remains a potential candidate for the top post, the Act gives the selection committee the option of considering names from outside the Election Commission. As per Section 5 of the Act, the candidates for the post would be current or former Secretary-level officers.

free stat counter