Wed Feb 19 07:02:05 UTC 2025: ## New Chief Election Commissioner Urges Voter Participation Amidst Legal Challenges

**New Delhi, February 19, 2025** – Gyanesh Kumar assumed office as India’s 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) today, emphasizing the crucial role of voting in nation-building. His appointment comes amidst ongoing Supreme Court hearings challenging the new law governing the appointment of Election Commissioners.

Kumar, 61, stressed the importance of every eligible citizen registering to vote and actively participating in the electoral process. He reiterated the Election Commission’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring fair elections. His tenure will last until January 26, 2029.

Kumar’s appointment marks a significant moment as he is the first CEC selected under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023. This law, passed in December 2023, altered the selection panel, removing the Chief Justice of India from the process, following a Supreme Court ruling. The Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions contesting the legality of this new Act.

Concurrently, Vivek Joshi, a 1989-batch IAS officer from Haryana, was appointed as an Election Commissioner, with a tenure extending until 2031. Both appointments are subject to a six-year term or retirement at age 65, as stipulated by the new law. Kumar and Joshi were recommended for their positions last March by a selection panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kumar’s appointment comes as the Election Commission prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, expected to be announced shortly before his tenure ends.

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