New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner B.B. Tandon has written to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam suggesting that a mechanism be evolved for appointment of Election Commissioners including the CEC on the lines of appointments being made to the National Human Rights Commission and the Central Vigilance Commission.

Mr. Tandon, who wrote the letter in his personal capacity, said Article 324 of the Constitution provided for the appointment of the CEC and Election Commissioners. Under the present scheme of things, they were being appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.

A procedure could be laid down for such appointments by a committee headed by the Prime Minister. It could include the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Law Minister, the leaders of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman and a Supreme Court judge nominated by the Chief Justice, Mr. Tandon said.

"Based on the recommendation of this committee, the appointment of the CEC and the Election Commissioners may be made by the President, by warrant under his hand and seal."

"Free from influence"

Mr. Tandon, due to retire on June 29, quoted debates in the Constituent Assembly and said it was expected that the election machinery should be quite independent, free from any influence by any agency, executive or anybody else.

Over the years the Commission had not only generated confidence and faith among voters and the full spectrum of political parties in its total impartiality, credibility and independence but also created a niche for itself in the domestic and international arena.

"To further strengthen this faith and confidence in the public mind, it may be appropriate to consider a procedure through which the President will have the benefit of the recommendations of a broad-based committee for making appointments."

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