By The Sampadak Express
With Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar set to retire on February 18, the Union Law Ministry has recently constituted a search committee to shortlist potential candidates for his successor. This move follows the enactment of the “Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023,” which brings a new process for selecting the CEC and Election Commissioners (ECs).
The search committee, which was established on January 17, is headed by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The committee’s task is to identify suitable candidates for the crucial position of CEC. In addition to Meghwal, the committee includes two other key members: the Secretary of the Finance Ministry and the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training. Sources confirmed that the panel could convene during the Budget Session of Parliament, set to begin on January 31.
This is the first time the new process, established by the 2023 law, is being applied for the appointment of a CEC. Under this law, the president will appoint the CEC and ECs based on recommendations from a selection committee. The committee is led by the Prime Minister, and includes the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
Historically, the senior-most Election Commissioner would be elevated to the position of CEC upon the retirement of the incumbent. However, with the recent law in place, the selection process has become more formalized, with the search committee now responsible for shortlisting candidates. The search committee will narrow down a list of five secretary-level officers for the president’s consideration.
The new law had already been used in 2023 to appoint two new ECs, Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu, following the retirement and resignation of Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel, respectively. It was also instrumental in introducing a more transparent and structured approach to the appointment process for Election Commissioners and the CEC.
As per the provisions of the law, once Rajiv Kumar steps down on February 18, the position of CEC will be open. Gyanesh Kumar, currently the senior-most EC, will continue in his role until his tenure ends on January 26, 2029.
This move by the government reflects an evolving approach to the appointment of one of the country’s most significant constitutional offices, ensuring that the process is aligned with the new legal framework and provides a more robust and systematic mechanism for selecting the CEC and ECs.
