India, Feb. 17 -- Gyanesh Kumar has been named as the new chief election commissioner, Union law ministry announced on Monday. He will replace Rajiv Kumar, who will demit office on Tuesday after attaining the age of 65.

Chief election commissioners have a tenure of six years or until they turn 65, whichever is earlier. Kumar became the first CEC to be appointed under new law on appointment of election commissioners.

Gyanesh Kumar's name was picked by a selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

The committee met earlier this evening at the Prime Minister's Office in South Block. It recommended the name from among the candidates shortl...