Gyanesh Kumar takes charge as chief election commissioner, calls voting 'First step in nation building'

Gyanesh Kumar, a retired IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, has officially taken over as Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), succeeding Rajiv Kumar, who completed a four-and-a-half-year tenure on Tuesday. Kumar, who had been serving as an Election Commissioner since March 2024, steps into this crucial role ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.

New appointments in the election commission

Alongside Kumar's elevation, Vivek Joshi, former Haryana Chief Secretary, has been appointed as Election Commissioner, filling the vacancy left by Kumar’s promotion. These appointments were approved by President Droupadi Murmu based on the recommendation of a selection committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi.

A strong message on voting rights

Upon assuming office, Kumar underscored the fundamental role of voting in democracy, stating, “The first step in nation building is voting. Every Indian citizen above 18 must register as a voter and actively participate in elections." Reaffirming the Election Commission’s commitment, he added, "The Commission has always stood by the voters and will continue to do so, in line with the Constitution and electoral laws."

Political controversy and supreme court challenge

While Kumar and Joshi’s appointments follow the Election Commission (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the law remains under judicial scrutiny. Rahul Gandhi submitted a dissent note regarding the selection process, as the law under which these appointments were made has been challenged in the Supreme Court, with a hearing scheduled soon.

Challenges ahead for the new CEC

As the country gears up for crucial state elections and the 2026 General Elections, Kumar's tenure will focus on ensuring free and fair elections, increasing voter participation, and safeguarding electoral integrity. His leadership will be key in navigating electoral reforms, technology-driven voting mechanisms, and addressing concerns around political funding and misinformation.