📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Prime Minister's Office
Politics
Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy urges transparent selection of Chief Election Commissioner
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 19 Oct 2026, 01:02 PM
👁 16
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy called for an open and accountable process to appoint the next Chief Election Commissioner, emphasizing the need for credibility in the electoral system.
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy addressed the media on Thursday, urging the government to adopt a transparent and merit‑based procedure for selecting the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He highlighted that the credibility of India's electoral machinery depends on a CEC who enjoys the confidence of all political stakeholders.
Reddy said that any perception of opacity or political interference could erode public trust, especially ahead of the upcoming general elections. He called for a clear set of criteria, an open shortlisting process, and the involvement of an independent panel to oversee the appointment.
The CM did not name any specific candidates but reiterated that the Election Commission must function without bias. His remarks come as the current CEC's term is set to expire later this year, prompting discussions in Parliament and among senior officials about the succession plan.
While the central government has not yet announced a timeline for the appointment, Reddy's statement adds pressure for a process that can be publicly scrutinised, aiming to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.
Reddy said that any perception of opacity or political interference could erode public trust, especially ahead of the upcoming general elections. He called for a clear set of criteria, an open shortlisting process, and the involvement of an independent panel to oversee the appointment.
The CM did not name any specific candidates but reiterated that the Election Commission must function without bias. His remarks come as the current CEC's term is set to expire later this year, prompting discussions in Parliament and among senior officials about the succession plan.
While the central government has not yet announced a timeline for the appointment, Reddy's statement adds pressure for a process that can be publicly scrutinised, aiming to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.