The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Wednesday that it has commenced the process to hold elections for the Vice-President of India, just two days following Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation from the position due to health concerns. In an official statement, the Commission remarked, “The Election Commission of India, as per Article 324, is responsible for conducting the election for the office of the Vice President of India. The election for the Vice President of India is regulated by The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, along with the associated rules, specifically The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.” According to Article 66(1) of the Constitution, the Vice-President is elected by an electoral college that consists of members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, utilizing the system of proportional representation through a single transferable vote, with the voting process carried out via secret ballot. The Commission further stated that it has already begun the process of forming the electoral college and is in the process of finalizing the appointment of returning officers. The official election timetable will be revealed once these preparatory actions are completed. Dhankhar’s term was initially scheduled to conclude on August 10, 2027.
