¹[45. Establishment of Cooperative Election Authority.--(1) The Central Government shall, by notification, establish an Authority to be known as the Co-operative Election Authority which shall consist of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and Members not exceeding three to be appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of the Selection Committee consisting of such persons as may be prescribed.
     (2) The head office of the Authority shall be at such place as may be notified by the Central Government.
     (3) The election of the members of the board shall be held in the general meeting of the members of the multi-State co-operative society.
         (i) Chairperson of the Authority unless he held the post of Additional Secretary to the Government of India or equivalent rank;
         (ii) Vice-Chairperson of the Authority unless he held the post of Joint Secretary to the Government of India or equivalent rank; and
         (iii) Member unless he fulfils such qualification and experience as may be prescribed
     (4) The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson or Member of the Authority shall hold office for a period of three years from the date on which they enter upon their office or until they attain the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier and they shall be eligible for re-appointment:
     Provided that in case of appointment of a Government servant as a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson or a Member, he shall be treated as an ex officio Member and he shall continue so long as he holds the office by virtue of which he is a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson or Member.
     (5) The salaries and allowances payable to, and the other terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Members of the Authority, other than the ex officio Member, shall be such as may be prescribed.]