Supporters of the Prime Minister-led committee for selecting the Chief Election Commissioner argue that this structure provides clear accountability and efficient decision-making in a process vital to the country's democratic functioning. The Prime Minister, being the head of the elected government, is constitutionally mandated to lead the executive branch, making their role in appointments to key constitutional positions appropriate and consistent with democratic norms.
Proponents contend that involving the executive ensures that the appointed CEC has the confidence of the government, facilitating smooth cooperation between the Election Commission and the administration during elections. They emphasize that the committee also includes other senior ministers, which helps in collective decision-making and prevents unilateral choices.
Moreover, they highlight that the current system has functioned without any proven compromise to the Election Commission’s integrity. The Supreme Court has in the past upheld the authority of the executive in such appointments, balancing independence with constitutional provisions. Including opposition members or judiciary figures is argued by supporters to risk politicizing appointments further or causing delays in critical decisions.
Given the sensitive nature of elections and the need for timely appointments, backers believe that the PM-led committee strikes a pragmatic balance between executive authority and electoral independence. They argue reforms should focus on transparency and adherence to existing constitutional frameworks rather than overhauling the selection mechanism.