Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Bakar said Azhar's appointment had been consented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in accordance with Article 114 of the Federal Constitution.
"He is a lawyer. With his experiences, I believe he can execute his duties and responsibilities as the EC chairman as stipulated by the Federal Constitution effectively," said Ismail in a statement today
The Kedah-born Azhar, popularly known as Art, has law degrees with honours from Universiti Malaya and with merit from King's College London and the University of London.
He began his legal career in 1987 at Allen & Gledhill and in 1992, he started working with KH Koh, Azhar & Koh.
He has also worked at several other renowned legal firms and has expertise in laws related to elections.
On June 13, the EC announced that Tan Sri Mohd Hashim Abdullah's tenure as EC chairman had been shortened, which was consented to by the King.