The new Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi, who took over as the 20th CEC on Sunday, said that holding free and fair elections “at all cost” will be the aim of the Election Commission. “Holding of free and fair elections at all cost based on error-free electoral rolls will be the aim of the Election Commission,” he said soon after assuming charge. Zaidi will have a tenure up to July, 2017 when he attains the age of 65.
Zaidi said inclusiveness of all sections of the society and voter centric programmes like easy registration will be his focus areas. He said that while continuing with the legacy of his predecessors, he would strive to make the poll watchdog a “more vibrant and transparent organisation.” Zaidi took over from Hari Shankar Brahma who demitted office on Saturday. The government is yet to fill up the vacancies of two Election Commissioners. Sources said that law Ministry has already informed the PMO of the vacancies and a decision on the issue is expected soon.