Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, succeeding Rajiv Kumar. A notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice confirmed the appointment, stating that President Droupadi Murmu has approved Gyanesh Kumar’s elevation from Election Commissioner to Chief Election Commissioner, effective February 19, 2025.
This decision comes under the authority granted by Section 4 of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
In a separate notification, the Ministry also announced the appointment of Dr. Vivek Joshi as an Election Commissioner, with effect from the date he assumes office. Dr. Joshi, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Haryana cadre, will join the Election Commission of India.
The appointments were finalized shortly after a meeting of the Selection Committee. Gyanesh Kumar takes over from Rajiv Kumar, who will step down as Chief Election Commissioner on February 18, 2025. Rajiv Kumar had served as Election Commissioner since September 1, 2020, and became the 25th Chief Election Commissioner of India on May 15, 2022.
In his farewell address, Rajiv Kumar expressed his gratitude to the 15 million polling officials for their unwavering commitment to upholding democratic values. He highlighted efforts made during his tenure to include marginalized groups, such as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and third genders, in the electoral process. He also shared that he had sent personalized letters to over 250,000 centenarian voters, acknowledging their contributions to democracy.
Rajiv Kumar encouraged young and urban voters to become more actively engaged in the electoral process. He also implemented innovative initiatives, such as establishing polling stations in high-rise buildings, to tackle the growing trend of youth and urban apathy toward elections.
