Kathmandu. WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has fired the last two commissioners of the Federal Election Assistance Commission (EAC) ahead of the November midterm elections, media reported. The decision drew sharp criticism from Democrats and election officials, questioning the fairness and independence of election management.

According to USA Today, two Republican-nominated commissioners of the Bipartisan Election Assistance Commission had already resigned. Both Democrat nominees were relieved of their positions on Thursday, according to an emailed report.

According to CNN, a White House official said in an email that President Trump has terminated the commission’s office with immediate effect.

The decision has drawn strong opposition from Democrat leaders. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes called it an “irresponsible and dangerous” move that would create confusion and instability among election officials across the country.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner said the removal of all remaining commissioners months before the election was an “extraordinary move” and demanded that the administration clarify it immediately.

Michael Waldman, CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice, said the move was a “serious concern” against the backdrop of Trump’s attempts to influence the election process. He reminded that the NC had created the four-member bi-party structure of the commission so that no single party would be controlled.

Established in 2002, the Election Assistance Commission (ECC) is responsible for certifying voting equipment, providing federal assistance for election management and administering election programs worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

According to CNN, the Trump administration and the commission have previously been at odds over the implementation of its executive order mandating proof of citizenship for voter registration. A large part of the order was stayed by the court.

According to USA Today, the commission needs the consent of at least three of the four commissioners to make a decision. It is estimated that the regular work of the commission may be affected as it may take time to make new appointments to the vacant posts.

The White House has said the president has the power to remove from office anyone who is not compliant with his duty to secure the US election and ensure that every legal vote is counted.