The Election Commission of India has announced September 9 as the date for electing the next Vice President of India. This election will determine the successor to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, whose term concludes on August 10. The notification for the election will be issued on July 19, initiating the formal process of candidate nominations. Prospective candidates will have until August 2 to file their nominations, which will undergo scrutiny on the same day. The deadline for withdrawal of candidature is August 9, with the election scheduled for September 9 at Parliament House in New Delhi.
The electoral college for the vice-presidential election comprises 790 members from both houses of Parliament—the Rajya Sabha (245 members) and the Lok Sabha (543 members). Notably, this election follows precedents where votes are cast through secret ballot, ensuring confidentiality in the voting process.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, elected unopposed in 2022 following Venkaiah Naidu’s term, faces the conclusion of his tenure. The Vice President serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and holds the second-highest constitutional office after the President.
The Election Commission emphasized adherence to constitutional provisions and electoral rules governing vice-presidential elections. Unlike presidential elections involving state legislative assemblies, vice-presidential elections exclusively involve Parliament members. The election’s outcome hinges on parliamentary support, with political alliances maneuvering to field their preferred candidates.
All elected and nominated members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are eligible to participate, except those barred under specific constitutional clauses. The process underscores India’s democratic framework, mandating regular transitions of constitutional authority. The announcement aligns with constitutional imperatives, ensuring continuity in India’s vice-presidential leadership as political parties prepare for candidate nominations and electoral strategies.
