Selection Process of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President of India. The selection process involves the following steps:

1. Eligibility Criteria:
- The candidate must be a citizen of India.
- They should have held a high office under the Government of India or a state government.

2. Appointment:
- The CEC is appointed by the President of India.
- The President consults with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition before making the appointment.

3. Tenure:
- The CEC holds office for a term of six years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
- The CEC can resign from their position by writing to the President.

4. Removal:
- The CEC can be removed from office only through impeachment by the Parliament.
- The process for removal is similar to that of a Supreme Court judge.

5. Independence:
- The CEC is expected to function independently and impartially without any influence from the government or any other authority.
- They are responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the country.

The selection process of the Chief Election Commissioner aims to ensure that a person of integrity and independence is appointed to oversee the electoral processes in India. The CEC plays a crucial role in upholding the democratic values of the country and ensuring the smooth conduct of elections.