Zaidi assumes charge as India's 20th CEC

Assuming charge as India's 20th Chief Election Commissioner here on Sunday, Syed Nasim Ahmad Zaidi described the Election Commission of India (ECI) as the best institution created by the Constitution of India and promised to come out with more vibrant, transparent and new ideas to ensure that the electoral process becomes more efficient, free and fair.

Assuming charge from his predecessor Hari Shankar Brahma, Zaidi said, "I feel much honored. This is the best institution that the Indian Constitution has provided and continuity is the hallmark in the functioning of election commission."

" We have led with a very simple vision, fair and free election with higher participation of voters. The election commission has set for itself a very high benchmark. I would like my commission to ensure that all voters have a pleasurable experience. During my tenure I would like to see the election commission becoming more vibrant, transparent. New ideas will always be welcome," he added.

Dr. Zaidi will be the sole member of the three-member Election Commission till the government fills up the two vacant posts of election commissioners.

He will be the CEC till July, 2017, when he turns 65. An election commissioner can remain in office for six years or till he attains the age of 65 years.

Dr. Zaidi is an IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh cadre of the 1976 batch.

Dr. Zaidi possesses a Master's degree in public administration from Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and has been a Mason Fellow for Public Policy at Harvard Institute for International Development. He has a post-graduate diploma in business finance from Indian Institute of Finance and holds doctorate in bio-chemistry.

Dr. Zaidi has served as the Permanent Representative of India on the Council of ICAO from November 2005 to October 2008. He has served as the Director General of Civil Aviation. He retired from the government as civil aviation secretary on July 31, 2012.