The Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed a bill to regulate the appointment and service terms of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, was passed in the Upper House of Parliament with a voice vote.

The bill, which was introduced in the House on August 10, seeks to replace the 1991 Act which did not have a clause related to the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs). Several opposition parties expressed apprehension that the new bill will allow the ruling party to appoint ‘yes men’ and influence their conduct which would harm democracy.