Race to Appoint Next Chief Election Commissioner

A committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet to select the new Chief Election Commissioner before current CEC Rajiv Kumar's retirement. Changes in the appointment law allow a selection of candidates by a search committee. The nomination will be confirmed by the president.

A committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is gearing up to finalize India's next Chief Election Commissioner as current CEC Rajiv Kumar approaches retirement. This crucial decision will be made on Monday, according to sources.

Comprising key political figures such as Lok Sabha's opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the committee's task is to evaluate candidates shortlisted by a search committee. The new law governing this appointment process was enforced last year and grants significant powers to the selection committee.

According to the law, the president will appoint the next CEC based on recommendations by the prime minister-led panel. This legislation has also been applied to appoint Election Commissioners, including Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, ensuring leaders are of high integrity and equipped with relevant election management experience.