The process to appoint a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is in its final stage, with the Centre set to hold a selection meeting on February 17, 2025. The Prime Minister-led panel will choose a candidate from a shortlist prepared by a search committee, and the President will make the final appointment.
The current CEC Rajiv Kumar (Retd. IAS: 1984: JH) is scheduled to demit office on February 18.
The selection panel comprises Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, in his capacity as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Rajiv Kumar was appointed as CEC in May 2022, succeeding Sushil Chandra (Retd. IRS-IT:1980), who retired on May 14, 2022. Currently, Gyanesh Kumar (Retd. IAS:1988:KL) is the senior most Election Commissioner followed by Sukhbir Singh Sandhu (Retd. IAS:1988:UK).
Traditionally, the senior most Election Commissioner has been elevated to the post of CEC. However, following the implementation of a new law on CEC and EC appointments, a search committee has shortlisted five Secretary-level officers for consideration by the Prime Minister-led panel.
In addition to appointing a new CEC, the government may also appoint a new Election Commissioner to fill the vacancy created by Rajiv Kumar’s retirement.
