Appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) & Election Commissioners (EC)

The Former IAS officer Gyanesh Kumar was recently appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.

• About the Act, 2023: The Act established a structured selection process for CEC and ECs.

o A Search Committee, headed by the Law Minister, shortlists five candidates.

o A Selection Committee, comprising the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition (LoP), and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM, makes the final selection.

o The President appoints the selected candidate based on the committee’s recommendation.

• Eligibility & Term under the 2023 Act: Candidates must be serving or former officers of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.

o Must possess integrity, election management experience, and administrative expertise.

o CEC & ECs are ineligible for reappointment.