Election to the Office of the Vice-President of India

The Election Commission of India, under Article 324, is responsible for conducting elections for the office of the Vice-President of India. This process is governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.

Election Process

• The election is conducted under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.
• Preparations include: 
  • Formation of the Electoral College, which includes elected and nominated members of both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
  • Finalization of the Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officers.
  • Preparation and dissemination of background material on previous Vice-Presidential elections.

Electoral College and Voting

• The Electoral College, consisting of members from both houses of Parliament, votes without being bound by party whips.

Nomination Process

• Nomination papers must be supported by at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders.
• The Security Deposit required is ₹15,000.
• By convention, the Secretary General of either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha is designated as the Returning Officer, by rotation.
• Two senior officers from the Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha Secretariat are appointed as Assistant Returning Officers.