Modi, Rahul meeting next week to select new ECI chief
What's the story
A selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet early next week to finalize the successor of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, PTI reported. The meeting, which will also include Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and a Union Cabinet minister, Arjun Ram Meghwal, nominated by the prime minister, is expected either on Sunday or Monday. Kumar's term as CEC ends on February 18.
Successor prospects
Potential candidates for CEC role
The selection committee will recommend a candidate from a shortlist drawn up by a search committee. The president will the make the final appointment of the new CEC on the basis of this recommendation. Per PTI, Gyanesh Kumar, the senior-most election commissioner, and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu are among the possible candidates for the post.
Legal framework
New law governs CEC appointment process
The appointment process is governed by the "Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023." According to the law, the CEC and ECs will be appointed by the president on the recommendation of a selection committee headed by the prime minister. Candidates must be serving or retired secretary-level officials with integrity and experience in election management.
Legacy
Kumar's tenure as CEC marked by significant elections
Kumar's tenure as CEC, which started in May 2022, witnessed him overseeing major elections including last year's Lok Sabha elections and Jammu and Kashmir's first Assembly poll in over a decade. His term was also marred by complaints from opposition parties including Congress and Aam Aadmi Party over alleged biases toward the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and problems with electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Retirement plans
Kumar defends EVMs, plans post-retirement activities
However, Kumar has defended the use of EVMs, saying they are not hackable and have passed judicial scrutiny. "Every claim of manipulation has been thoroughly investigated and debunked. This technology has consistently upheld the principles of free and fair elections," he said. As he prepares for retirement, Kumar said he plans to spend time in solitude in the Himalayas and teach underprivileged children.