Amaravati, Oct 18: YSRCP president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has called for reforms in the appointment of Election Commissioners at the Central and State levels. He admitted that supporting the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, was a mistake.
Speaking at a press conference, Jagan said the appointment process must ensure independence, neutrality and public confidence in electoral institutions.
Jagan Seeks CJI’s Inclusion in Selection Panel
Under the 2023 Act, the selection committee for the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners comprises the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Jagan argued that this arrangement gives the ruling government a two-to-one majority. Comparing it to a student selecting their own examiner, he said the system raises concerns about the independence of election authorities.
He demanded an amendment to include the Chief Justice of India in the selection panel alongside the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.
Calls for State Election Commission Reforms
Jagan also proposed changes to the appointment of State Election Commissioners. He suggested a selection committee comprising the Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Justice of the respective High Court.
He said the reforms would help prevent ruling governments from exercising excessive influence over the officials responsible for conducting local body elections.
Raises Concerns Over AP Elections and Voter Lists
Jagan reiterated his allegations of irregularities in the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, stating that the issues required proper examination through the legal process.
He also questioned the handling of voter lists and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Referring to media reports about internal objections raised by Election Commissioners, he demanded transparency in voter additions, deletions and restorations.
Additionally, he accused the Andhra Pradesh ruling coalition of misusing official machinery during voter list revision and ignoring opposition concerns over changes to local body divisions.
Jagan Stresses Electoral Transparency
Jagan said democracy depends on public confidence in constitutional institutions. He urged the Central Government to amend the 2023 Act and introduce a more balanced appointment process for Election Commissioners.
He maintained that independent appointments, transparent voter registration and impartial election administration are essential to protecting democratic rights.
