The Centre notified the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the new chief election commissioner on Monday.
The Kerala cadre IAS officer joined civil services in 1988. He has held various posts under the Kerala government.
At Centre, he has served in various capacities including as additional secretary in the ministry of home affairs and secretary in the ministry of cooperation.
Gyanesh Kumar was involved in the Abrogation of Article 370 and played a pivotal role in the establishment of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust.
Gyanesh Kumar will assume charge on February 19 and his tenure will continue till January 26, 2029.
Gyanesh Kumar will be responsible for conducting 21 state assembly elections, and elections to the post of President and Vice President in 2027.
If ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill is passed, Kumar may have a role to play in the preparation of the electoral roll and laying the groundwork for simultaneous polls