Who appoints the Chief Electoral Officer?

The correct answer is Election Commission of India.

Key Points

• The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of a state is appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
• The CEO works under the supervision of the Election Commission of India to ensure free and fair elections within the state.
• The CEO's responsibilities include overseeing election processes, managing voter registration, and ensuring adherence to election laws.
• The appointment is made based on eligibility criteria and administrative experience, typically selecting an officer from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
• The CEO acts as the interface between the Election Commission of India and the state government.

Additional Information

• Election Commission of India (ECI):
  • ECI is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections in India.
  • It was established on 25 January 1950 under Article 324 of the Constitution of India.
  • ECI conducts elections for the Parliament, state legislatures, and offices of the President and Vice-President of India.
• Role of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO):
  • Acts as the nodal officer for all election-related activities in the state.
  • Responsible for voter awareness campaigns, election logistics, and resolving electoral grievances.
  • Ensures compliance with the Model Code of Conduct during elections.
• Model Code of Conduct:
  • A set of guidelines issued by the ECI for political parties and candidates during elections.
  • Ensures fair practices and prevents misuse of government resources for election campaigns.
• Indian Administrative Service (IAS):
  • IAS officers are often appointed as CEOs due to their administrative expertise.
  • They are responsible for implementing election strategies and maintaining law and order during elections.