Rao built a reputation after conducting what was described the fairest elections in Bihar’s electoral history while Krishnamurthy succeeded in getting the EC more legal teeth.

Averse to entering politics, especially through the Rajya Sabha route, despite high-profile stints at the Election Commission, Rao, speaking for all, said, “They would rather be engaged more meaningfully, doing what they have done best — helping the process of conducting free and fair elections.”

The fact that all of them have been special observers in elections outside the country, most notably the last US presidential polls and the Afghan elections, will also help the Foundation in a range of election activity from preparing blueprints for free and fair elections to being independent monitors.