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.
