Credibility important to EC functioning: Gopalaswami

New Delhi, June 30: New Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalaswami today said ''credibility'' was necessary for the efficient working of the Election Commission.

Talking to mediapersons after taking charge of his new responsibility, Mr Gopalaswami differed from his predecessor B B Tandon, who had suggested that the appointment procedure of the CEC and the Election Commissioners be made ''broad-based'' by involving the Leaders of the Opposition in Parliament, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Vice Chairman of Rajya Sabha and Chief Justice of India, unlike the present system of appointment on the advice of the Prime Minister.

The point is not merely of the appointment of the CEC or the ECs but of the credibility of the institution, he said, adding that the latter should not be ''under question.'' Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary S Y Qureshi, who was appointed an Election Commissioner yesterday, following the vacancy ensuing after elevation of Mr Gopalaswami, also took charge of his new responsibilities.

Talking to mediapersons, Mr Qureshi said he would try his best to uphold the dignity of this institution and further said he would fulfill his responsibilities with total integrity.

UNI

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