VS Sampath takes over as the new Chief Election Commissioner

New Delhi: Veeravalli Sundaram Sampath has taken over as the new Chief Election Commissioner, succeeding SY Quraishi. Sampath was appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner last week, and will preside over the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. VS Sampath is the 18th CEC of India.

A low-profile bureaucrat, who has had stints in various capacities in Andhra Pradesh and Delhi, Sampath was Power Secretary at the Centre before he was appointed Election Commissioner in April, 2009.

Born on January 16, 1950, Sampath will be at the helm of the Commission till January, 2015 when he would turn 65. Under the Constitution, an EC or the CEC can remain in office either for a six-year term or till 65 years, whichever is earlier.

VS Sampath, who succeeds SY Quraishi, will preside over the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Consequent to Sampath's appointment, the government will soon be naming his replacement as the Election Commissioner.

(With additional information from PTI)

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