Post by : Meena Ariff

The Election Commission of India has officially issued the notification to begin the election process for the post of Vice-President of India. This marks the first major step in the electoral procedure, allowing candidates to start filing their nominations. The notification was released on Tuesday, August 6, as per the schedule announced earlier by the Commission.

The term of the current Vice-President is coming to an end soon, and the election process has been set in motion to ensure a timely and smooth transition. With the notification now issued, political parties, interested candidates, and the general public are preparing for this important constitutional event.

Important Dates for the Vice-Presidential Election

As per the notification released by the Election Commission, the following dates have been scheduled for the Vice-Presidential election process:

• Last Date for Filing Nominations: August 13, 2025
• Date for Scrutiny of Nominations: August 14, 2025
• Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidature: August 16, 2025
• Date of Poll (if necessary): August 27, 2025
• Counting of Votes: Will be done on the same day of polling, i.e., August 27

These dates ensure there is enough time for candidates to come forward, complete the formalities, and campaign for support if a contest takes place.

Who Elects the Vice-President?

Unlike the President of India, who is elected by a much wider electoral college including both Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), the Vice-President is elected only by Members of Parliament.

This includes:

• Elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
• Elected and nominated members of the Lok Sabha (Lower House)

They vote through a secret ballot system using the proportional representation method. The candidate who secures a majority of valid votes is declared the winner.

Constitutional Importance of the Vice-President

The Vice-President of India holds an important position in the constitutional framework of the country. According to Article 63 of the Indian Constitution, there shall be a Vice-President of India.

The Vice-President performs two main roles:

• Chairman of the Rajya Sabha: He presides over the sessions of the Rajya Sabha and ensures the smooth functioning of the upper house.
• Acting President: In case the President is unable to perform duties due to resignation, removal, death, or any other reason, the Vice-President takes over as the Acting President until a new President is elected.

Hence, the Vice-President plays a vital backup role in the country’s democratic setup.

Tenure and Eligibility for Vice-President

The Vice-President is elected for a term of five years, but they can continue in office beyond that term until the new Vice-President takes office.

To be eligible to contest the Vice-Presidential election, a person must:

• Be a citizen of India
• Be at least 35 years old
• Be qualified to be a member of the Rajya Sabha
• Not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any State Government

Also, the nomination of a candidate must be supported by at least 20 electors as proposers and 20 electors as seconders.

Security Deposit and Legal Provisions

Every candidate is required to deposit a sum of ₹15,000 as a security deposit with the Election Commission. If the candidate fails to secure a certain percentage of votes, the deposit is forfeited.

The election is conducted as per the Election Commission's guidelines and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The Role of Political Parties and Possible Contenders

With the notification now issued, major political parties are expected to start discussions and finalize their candidates soon. The ruling party and the opposition parties may either agree on a consensus candidate or field their nominees, leading to a voting contest on the scheduled poll date.

While the names of potential candidates are not yet confirmed, it is expected that parties will consider factors like seniority, experience, contribution to public life, and representation of different communities while choosing their candidates.

Election Commission Ensures Fair Process

The Election Commission of India, known for its neutrality and strict monitoring, has taken all necessary steps to ensure that the election is conducted smoothly and fairly. Adequate arrangements have been made for the safe and secret ballot process inside the Parliament House.

Senior officials from the Commission will oversee the entire process, right from nomination to counting of votes.

Why This Election Matters

Although the Vice-President does not have as many executive powers as the President, the post holds symbolic and legislative importance. The Vice-President is the second-highest constitutional authority in the country. The Vice-President plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the parliamentary system and ensuring the upper house of Parliament runs effectively.

This election, therefore, is not just a formality but a critical component of India’s democratic structure.

As the nomination process kicks off, all eyes will be on the political developments in the coming days. Will there be a unanimous choice, or will India witness a competitive election? The picture will become clearer as the deadline for nominations approaches.

The people of India, while not directly involved in electing the Vice-President, will be watching the developments closely, as the chosen leader will occupy an important seat in the governance of the country.