Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
Kartavya Desk Staff
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.
• 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:
• 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:
• 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:
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.