With Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar's retirement scheduled for February 18, the selection committee tasked with appointing his successor is likely to convene next week, potentially on Sunday or Monday. The official notification for the fixed meeting date is yet to be issued. The committee, comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will discuss the appointment of the new CEC.
After Rajiv Kumar's retirement, Gyanesh Kumar will become the senior-most Election Commissioner, serving until January 26, 2029. To facilitate the selection of the next CEC, the central government has formed a search committee led by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to shortlist qualified candidates for the role.
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (EC) are appointed by the President of India following recommendations from a selection committee. This committee, headed by the Prime Minister, includes the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. The CEC's term can last up to six years, but they retire upon turning sixty-five, regardless of whether their term has ended.