The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the election date for the 17th Vice-Presidential Election.
Constitutional Provisions related to Vice President
- Term & Vacancy: As per Article 67, the Vice President serves for five years. Article 68(2) mandates a prompt election in case of vacancy.
- Electoral College: Comprises members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha (elected + nominated).
- Present strength: 782 MPs.
- Voting System: Proportional Representation by Single Transferable Vote and secret ballot (Article 66(1)).
- Authority: Election Commission of India (ECI) under Article 324 and through powers under Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
Election Procedure of Vice President
- Nomination: Requires 20 proposers and 20 seconders; ₹15,000 deposit is mandatory.
- Voting: Conducted in Parliament House using special ECI-supplied pens. First preference vote is compulsory.
- Supervision: ECI appoints the Returning Officer (Secretary General, Rajya Sabha) and observers.
Key Safeguards Followed in Elections
- No party whip allowed.
- Violation of secrecy or use of unauthorized pen invalidates the vote.
- Bribery or undue influence is grounds for election challenge under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
EligibilityA person cannot be elected as Vice-President unless he –
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