Appointment of CEO Delhi

**Executive Summary** This notification from the Election Commission of India, dated February 9, 2026, designates Shri Ashok Kumar, IAS, as the new Chief Electoral Officer for the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, replacing Ms. R Alice Vaz, IAS. This appointment is effective from the date Shri Ashok Kumar assumes charge and will continue until further orders. Shri Ashok Kumar is required to relinquish all prior responsibilities under the NCT of Delhi government upon assuming his new role. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Appointment of Chief Electoral Officer:** * Shri Ashok Kumar, IAS (AGMUT: 2006), has been appointed as the Chief Electoral Officer for the NCT of Delhi. * This appointment is made by the Election Commission of India in consultation with the Government of NCT of Delhi. * The appointment is made in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 13A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. * Shri Ashok Kumar replaces Ms. R Alice Vaz, IAS. * The appointment is effective from the date he takes over charge and until further orders. * **Relinquishment of Prior Responsibilities:** * Shri Ashok Kumar must immediately cease to hold and hand over any charges or work responsibilities he currently holds under the Government of NCT of Delhi before assuming his new office. * **Restrictions on Additional Charges:** * While serving as Chief Electoral Officer for NCT of Delhi, Shri Ashok Kumar shall not hold any additional charges under the Government of NCT of Delhi. * The only exception is if he is designated as Secretary to the Government in charge of the Election Department in the State Secretariat. **Impact Analysis** **Ms. R Alice Vaz, IAS** * **Impact:** Her role as Chief Electoral Officer for NCT of Delhi has been terminated. * **Action Required:** No specific action is mentioned for Ms. R Alice Vaz. **Shri Ashok Kumar, IAS** * **Impact:** He has been appointed as the new Chief Electoral Officer for NCT of Delhi and will assume new responsibilities and authorities. * **Action Required:** * Assume charge of the Chief Electoral Officer for NCT of Delhi from the date specified and until further orders. * Immediately cease to hold and hand over all prior work charges under the Government of NCT of Delhi. * Not hold any additional charges under the Government of NCT of Delhi, except for the designation as Secretary to the Government in charge of the Election Department in the State Secretariat. **Government of NCT of Delhi** * **Impact:** The leadership of the electoral process in Delhi has changed. The government has been consulted on this appointment. * **Action Required:** The government must facilitate the handover of responsibilities from Ms. R Alice Vaz to Shri Ashok Kumar and acknowledge his new role and any approved additional designation. **Election Commission of India** * **Impact:** The commission has exercised its authority to appoint a new Chief Electoral Officer for NCT of Delhi. * **Action Required:** Oversee the smooth transition of responsibilities and ensure compliance with the notification.

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