The selection committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet next week to finalise the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, following the retirement of incumbent Rajiv Kumar on February 18. The panel, which includes Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and a Union Cabinet minister nominated by the Prime Minister, will choose a candidate from the names shortlisted by a search committee.

According to reports, the selection panel meeting could be held on Sunday or Monday, where the final name for the next Chief Election Commissioner will be decided. Once the panel finalises the recommendation, the President of India will appoint the new CEC.

Selection Process for the New CEC

Under the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the selection process for the CEC and ECs (Election Commissioners) has changed significantly. Instead of the previous tradition, where the senior-most Election Commissioner was automatically promoted to the role of CEC, the new system requires a search committee to shortlist candidates.

As per the law:

• A search committee selects five secretary-level officers for consideration.
• The PM-led selection panel reviews these names and finalises a recommendation.
• The President of India officially appoints the CEC based on this recommendation.

This process was first applied last year when the government appointed Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu to fill vacancies.

Who Are the Contenders for the Next CEC?

With Rajiv Kumar stepping down on February 18, the focus is now on who will be India's next Chief Election Commissioner.

Currently, Gyanesh Kumar is the senior-most Election Commissioner, and his tenure extends until January 26, 2029. The other Election Commissioner is Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, who was appointed recently.

Although seniority was traditionally a key factor, the new law opens the selection process to multiple candidates, allowing the panel to consider additional names rather than simply promoting the senior-most commissioner.

New Election Commissioner Appointment Also Expected

Apart from the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner, the vacancy left by Rajiv Kumar will also lead to the selection of a new Election Commissioner (EC). This means the PM Modi-led panel could recommend two appointments—one for the CEC and another for an EC.

Impact of the New Law on Election Appointments

The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, has significantly altered how India's Election Commission is structured. Unlike previous years, when the senior-most Election Commissioner automatically succeeded the CEC, the new system allows for greater flexibility in selection.

This new selection process was already applied last year when Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu were appointed following the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey and the resignation of Arun Goel.

The appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner comes at a crucial time, as India prepares for upcoming elections. The CEC plays a vital role in overseeing the electoral process, ensuring free and fair elections across the country.

Rahul Gandhi’s Role in the Selection Committee

One notable aspect of this CEC appointment process is the involvement of Rahul Gandhi, who, as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, is part of the selection committee. This is the first time under the new law that a CEC will be appointed with the direct participation of the opposition leader.

While the final decision rests with the selection panel, the presence of Rahul Gandhi in the discussions adds a political dimension to the process.

Conclusion

As Rajiv Kumar retires on February 18, the PM Modi-led panel is set to select the next Chief Election Commissioner of India. The new selection law, implemented last year, has changed the appointment process, and the final decision will be made by a panel that includes Rahul Gandhi.

With the Election Commission playing a crucial role in ensuring the fairness of Indian elections, the selection of the next CEC will have a major impact on upcoming electoral processes. The decision will be closely watched as the country moves towards key elections in the coming years.

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