In a significant development, Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as India’s 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), effective immediately. Concurrently, Vivek Joshi, a 1989-batch Haryana-cadre Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has been appointed as an Election Commissioner.
Gyanesh Kumar’s Tenure and Background
Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, will serve as CEC until January 26, 2029. His term is set to conclude just before the anticipated announcement of the next Lok Sabha election schedule. Kumar’s extensive career includes pivotal roles such as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Notably, he played a crucial role in implementing decisions following the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir during his tenure at the Union Home Ministry.
Vivek Joshi’s Appointment and Profile
Vivek Joshi, born on May 21, 1966, brings a wealth of administrative experience to his new role as Election Commissioner. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Chief Secretary of Haryana and was on central deputation since January 2019. Joshi’s tenure in the Election Commission is slated to extend until 2031, adhering to the statutory retirement age of 65 or a six-year term, whichever comes first.
Selection Process and Political Context
The appointments were finalized by a selection committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as members. The committee convened at the Prime Minister’s South Block office to deliberate on the selections. It’s noteworthy that these are the first appointments under the new law governing the Election Commission’s composition. The Congress party had earlier requested a deferment of the decision, pending the Supreme Court’s hearing on a related petition.
Upcoming Electoral Responsibilities
During his tenure, CEC Gyanesh Kumar will oversee several critical elections, including the Bihar Assembly polls later this year, and the Kerala and Puducherry Assembly elections in 2026. Additionally, he will supervise the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, also scheduled for 2026. These elections are pivotal in shaping the nation’s political landscape, and the Election Commission’s role is central to ensuring their free and fair conduct.
