Source: BS
Context: Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, succeeding Rajiv Kumar.
- Also, Haryana Chief Secretary Dr Vivek Joshi appointed as new Election Commissioner.
About Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India:
- What it is?
- The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) heads the Election Commission of India (ECI), ensuring free and fair elections.
- Article: Governed by Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, which vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the Election Commission.
- Appointment Process:
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- Previously: CEC was appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
- Under the 2023 Act: A Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha recommends candidates.
- A Search Committee, chaired by the Law Minister, shortlists names for consideration.
- Eligibility: The new Act now specifies that candidates must:
- Be persons of integrity
- Have knowledge and experience in the management and conduct of elections
- Be or have been a secretary (or equivalent) to the government
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- Term: Six-year tenure or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- Service Conditions: The salary and conditions of service of the CEC and ECs will be equivalent to that of Cabinet Secretary.
- Removal: The CEC may be removed in the same manner as applicable for a Supreme Court judge. ECs may only be removed upon the recommendation of the CEC.
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- Powers and Functions:
- Conducts free and fair elections for Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Assemblies, and the President & Vice President of India.
- Regulates political parties, monitors election funding, and enforces the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
- Supervises voter registration, prepares electoral rolls, and ensures smooth voting processes.
- Has the authority to disqualify candidates for electoral malpractices and cancel elections if irregularities occur.
- Advises the President and Governors on election-related matters.
