Vice-Presidential Election Preparations by Election Commission

Context:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has begun preparatory activities for the Vice-Presidential election following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on health grounds, leading to a rare mid-term vacancy.

Constitutional & Legal Framework:

• Article 324 of the Constitution mandates the ECI to conduct elections to the office of the Vice-President of India.

• The election is governed by:

  • Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952

  • Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974

Preparatory Activities Initiated:

• Preparation of the Electoral College

• Finalisation of the Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer(s)

• Compilation of background material on previous Vice-Presidential elections

Electoral College for Vice-President:

• Comprises both elected and nominated members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

Nomination Process:

• Each candidate must be:

  • Proposed by at least 20 electors

  • Seconded by another 20 electors

• Nomination papers must be submitted to the Returning Officer between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on designated days.

Vice President of India 

• Constitutional Position:
  The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional office after the President and is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

• Constitutional Basis:

  • Defined under Article 63 of the Constitution.

  • The election procedure is laid down in Article 66.

• Election Process (art. 66):

  • Elected indirectly by an Electoral College consisting of members of both elected and nominated members Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

  • State legislatures are not involved in this election.

  • Proportional representation by single transferable vote (STV) and secret ballot are used.

  • Conducted by the Election Commission of India.

  • Election must be held within 60 days of vacancy.

  • Nomination: At least 20 proposers and 20 seconders required; security deposit of ₹15,000.

  • Counting: If no candidate secures the required votes, the least-voted candidate is eliminated and votes are transferred as per preferences.

• Term and Vacancy

  • Term: 5 years, eligible for re-election.

  • Can resign by writing to the President.

  • In case of resignation, death, or removal, fresh election must be held as early as possible.

  • No constitutional provision for automatic succession.

  • When acting as President, term limited to 6 months, pending presidential election.

• Roles and Functions:

• Presides over Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament).

• First in line to act as President in case of a vacancy in the presidential office.

• Serves as:

• Chancellor of Panjab University and University of Delhi.

• Visitor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism.

• President of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).