"Why Arun Goel Stepped Down from Election Commissioner Role Just Weeks Ahead of 2024 Polls"

Arun Goel stepped down from his role as Election Commissioner shortly before the 2024 polls, leaving the Election Commission of India with one vacant position. Currently, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar is the sole remaining member on the poll panel.

Following the resignation of Mr. Goel, the procedure for appointing a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) involves a search committee, led by the law minister and including two union secretaries, which shortlists five candidates. Subsequently, a selection committee headed by the Prime Minister, and including a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, or the leader of the single-largest opposition party, makes the final selection. The President then formally appoints the chosen CEC or EC.

An important development preceding Mr. Goel's resignation was the enactment of a new law last year, modifying the process for appointing the nation's top election officials. The revised procedure no longer includes the Chief Justice of India in the selection process.