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.