By The Sampadak Express
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Gyanesh Kumar assumed office as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, succeeding Rajiv Kumar, who completed his tenure on February 18, 2025. At the same time, Vivek Joshi, a former IAS officer from Haryana, officially took charge as an Election Commissioner.
Mr. Kumar, who was serving as an Election Commissioner since March 2024, was elevated to the position of CEC earlier this week, on February 19, 2025. His appointment marks a significant shift in leadership within the Election Commission of India, with Mr. Rajiv Kumar stepping down after his tenure came to an end. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu continues to serve as the other Election Commissioner in the commission.
In his message to the public following his appointment, Gyanesh Kumar emphasized the importance of voting as a critical step in nation-building. “The first step for nation-building is voting. Therefore, every citizen of India who has completed 18 years of age should become an elector and should always vote,” he remarked. He further assured the citizens that the Election Commission remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting voters, stating, “The Election Commission was, is and will always be with the voters.”
Vivek Joshi, a seasoned bureaucrat and former IAS officer from Haryana, was appointed as an Election Commissioner on the same day as Mr. Kumar’s elevation to CEC. His extensive experience in governance and public administration is expected to add significant value to the Election Commission’s operations.
With these changes in leadership, the Election Commission of India is poised to continue its role in overseeing the democratic process, ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections across the nation.
