New Delhi, Jul 27 (IANS): Shahbuddin Yaqoob Quraishi was Tuesday appointed by President Partibha Patil as the new Chief Election Commissioner, officials said.
Quraishi, who is currently working as one of the two election commissioners, will succeed Navin Chawla, who retires Thursday.
"The president is pleased to appoint the senior-most election commissioner as the Chief Election Commissioner," said a statement issued here.
The 63-year old Quraishi is a 1971 batch Haryana cadre IAS officer.
He has held various key positions, including working as sports secretary. He was special secretary in the health ministry, director general of National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) and director general of Doordarshan.
He was appointed election commissioner June 30, 2006.
Quraishi will assume charge with effect from Thursday, the statement said.