India appoints new election commissioners ahead of Lok Sabha elections

In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Indian government announced the appointment of two new election commissioners, Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Sandhu, on the evening of March 14. This announcement came shortly after Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury revealed that a panel led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had selected the new commissioners, albeit before an official notification was issued.

Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Sandhu, both of whom have served as Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, were appointed through a selection process led by a panel that includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a panel member, disclosed to reporters the selection process and its outcome, noting the central government’s majority in the appointment panel. He highlighted a notable change in procedure, pointing out the absence of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the panel due to recent legislative changes, which, according to Chowdhury, allows the government to select commissioners without CJI’s interference, raising concerns about the appointment process’s transparency and fairness.

This development follows the resignation of Arun Goel from the position of election commissioner, a role he had held since November 21, 2022. Goel’s resignation was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu as per a statement from the Indian law ministry, citing the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023.

The appointments of Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Sandhu come at a crucial time, as India prepares for its Lok Sabha elections scheduled for this summer. Their roles are pivotal in ensuring the elections are conducted fairly and efficiently, upholding the democratic values of the nation.

The selection of election commissioners in India is a process vested with significant importance, given their role in overseeing the fairness and integrity of elections. The involvement of the Prime Minister and the absence of the CJI from the appointment panel, as highlighted by Chowdhury, may raise questions about the independence of the commission. However, the expertise and administrative experience of both Kumar and Sandhu could contribute positively to the Election Commission of India’s functioning, especially in the lead-up to such significant national elections.