On Wednesday, Gyanesh Kumar assumed office as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), while Vivek Joshi took charge as an Election Commissioner. Kumar, who had been serving as an Election Commissioner since March 2024, was elevated to the top position on Monday.

Kumar succeeded Rajiv Kumar, who completed his tenure as CEC on Tuesday, becoming the new head of the Election Commission. Alongside him, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu continues his role as the other Election Commissioner.

Vivek Joshi, a former Haryana cadre IAS officer, was appointed as an Election Commissioner on Monday, joining the commission at a crucial time for the country’s electoral processes.

In his message to the public after taking charge, Gyanesh Kumar emphasized the importance of voting in nation-building, stating, “The first step for nation building is voting. Therefore, every citizen of India who has completed 18 years of age should become an elector and should always vote.” He also reassured voters by asserting that, “The Election Commission was, is, and will always be with the voters.”