Sentinel of the Ballot

A crisis manager par excellence, newly-minted CEC Gyanesh Kumar takes up his toughest role yet of safeguarding the vote.

Gyanesh Kumar

India’s Election Commission has a new chief in Gyanesh Kumar, a veteran bureaucrat with a reputation for efficiency and discipline who has taken charge as Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) from Rajiv Kumar. A 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, Gyanesh Kumar steps into the role at a critical moment as the country is preparing for a series of high-stakes elections. His immediate challenge will be overseeing the Bihar assembly polls later this year, followed by elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Kerala between 2025 and 2026. In 2027, he will preside over the next presidential and vice-presidential elections.

Kumar’s appointment is significant as he is the first CEC to be selected under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. The law, passed last year, replaced the Chief Justice of India with a Union Minister in the selection panel, a move that drew criticism from the opposition. However, his supporters argue that the new process has brought greater clarity and predictability to appointments, ensuring that experienced administrators take charge of India’s electoral machinery.

Few would question Kumar’s credentials. Over a distinguished career spanning three decades, he has handled some of India’s most politically sensitive assignments. As Joint Secretary in the Home Ministry, he played a crucial role in drafting the legal framework for the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir - a historic decision that reshaped India’s federal structure. Later, as Additional Secretary, he oversaw key aspects of the Ram Janmabhoomi Theertha Kshetra Trust, which managed the construction of the Ayodhya temple, an issue of national significance. Most recently, he served as Secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation, a department tasked with strengthening India’s cooperative sector.

Colleagues describe the incoming CEC as a meticulous administrator, one who values institutional stability over political grandstanding. His ability to navigate complex bureaucratic and political environments suggests he is well-equipped to handle the demands of his new role. Those close to him say he prefers to stay away from the spotlight, but that he gets the job done.

Ensuring a free and fair electoral process in a country as vast and diverse as India is always a fraught challenge. The logistical difficulties alone are staggering. The EC oversees a voting population of nearly a billion people, managing security across tens of thousands of polling stations while combating the ever-rising influence of misinformation in digital campaigns. Kumar’s ability to function as an impartial arbiter will be key to maintaining public trust in India’s democratic system.

In his first public remarks after taking office, Kumar emphasized voter participation, calling voting the “first step towards national service.” While reviewing election preparations in Tamil Nadu, he commended local officials for their efforts and underscored the importance of a transparent and inclusive electoral process. His early engagement with state election officials signals a hands-on approach, one that could help reinforce confidence in the Election Commission’s work.

Sceptics have raised concerns about whether he will assert the Commission’s independence, particularly given his past proximity to the ruling establishment. But history suggests that strong-willed bureaucrats, once placed in positions of authority, can surprise their political patrons. T.N. Seshan, the legendary CEC of the 1990s, was initially seen as a pliant appointee but went on to transform the Election Commission into a powerful institution. Kumar, with his deep understanding of governance and law, has the opportunity to follow in those footsteps.

His tenure coincides with a period of rapid technological change in India’s electoral process. The Election Commission has long been pushing for greater use of electronic voting machines (EVMs), online voter registration and real-time monitoring of election expenses. Kumar’s experience in managing large-scale administrative reforms could help modernize these systems while ensuring their security and transparency.

With a solid background in parliamentary affairs, he has the requisite understanding of the delicate balance needed to uphold democratic norms while managing the competing interests of political parties. His ability to remain neutral and resist external pressures will be tested in the coming elections in key states.

Kumar’s term runs until January 2029, giving him a long enough runway to shape the Commission’s legacy. If he can uphold the credibility of India’s elections while adapting the institution to contemporary challenges, he may yet be remembered as one of the country’s more effective Chief Election Commissioners.