Wed Feb 19 15:23:24 UTC 2025: ## New Election Chief Faces Challenges Amidst Political Tensions and Electoral Reforms

**NEW DELHI** – Gyanesh Kumar assumes the role of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) today, inheriting a challenging mandate. His four-year term begins as the Election Commission (EC) grapples with a strained relationship with the Opposition, questions surrounding electoral integrity, and the groundwork for potential simultaneous elections.

Kumar’s appointment comes amidst accusations from the Congress regarding inflated voter numbers in Maharashtra and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioning Delhi’s electoral rolls. Opposition parties have also raised concerns about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), voter turnout data, and election scheduling. The recent Delhi Assembly polls saw AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal criticize the outgoing CEC, Rajiv Kumar, for allegedly damaging the EC’s reputation.

The EC has responded to such criticism with strong statements, issuing a warning to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for comments perceived as undermining electoral processes. This led to a sharp retort from the Congress, further exacerbating the existing tensions.

Voter turnout remains a key concern, having stagnated around 66% over the past three Lok Sabha elections. The previous CEC acknowledged that the length and timing of the elections likely impacted turnout, a challenge Kumar will need to address.

Kumar inherits several pending electoral reform proposals, including suggestions from his predecessor for biometric authentication, a totaliser machine for EVM vote counting, remote voting for migrants, and voting rights for NRIs. Long-standing proposals to the Law Ministry include reducing cash donations to parties and capping election expenditure.

Two crucial Bills paving the way for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections are pending in Parliament. Kumar and his successor will be responsible for laying the groundwork for this massive undertaking, including EVM production, storage, and logistical planning.

The EC also faces the challenge of enforcing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) more effectively. Previous attempts to address divisive speeches through notices have proved insufficient, prompting calls for a more robust approach to maintaining a fair and impartial electoral environment. The upcoming years will test Kumar’s ability to navigate these complex challenges and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

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