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ELECTION TO THE OFFICE OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF INDIA

Jul 05, 2022

ELECTION TO THE OFFICE OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF INDIA

Why in News?

Recently, the Election Commission announced the Vice-Presidential election to be held in August, 2022.

Vice President:

  • The Vice President is the second highest constitutional office in India. He/She serves for a five-year term, but can continue to be in office. irrespective of the expiry of the term, until the successor assumes office.
  • The Vice President may resign his office by submitting his resignation to the President of India. The resignation becomes effective from the day it is accepted.
  • The Vice President can be removed from office by a resolution of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), passed by a majority of its members at that time and agreed to by the House of the People (Lok Sabha). A resolution for this purpose may be moved only after a notice of at least a minimum of 14 days has been given of such an intention.
  • The Vice President is the ex-officio Chairperson of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) and does not hold any other office of profit.

Eligibility:

  • Should be a citizen of India.
  • Should have completed 35 years of age.
  • Should be qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
  • Should not hold any office of profit under the Union government or any state government or any local authority or any other public authority.

Electoral College: As per Article 66 of the Constitution of India, the Vice-President is elected by the members of the Electoral College.

Electoral College consists of:

  • Elected members of Rajya Sabha.
  • Nominated members of Rajya Sabha.
  • Elected members of Lok Sabha.

What is the Election Procedure

  • As per Article 68 of the Constitution, the election to fill the vacancy caused by the expiration of the term of office of the outgoing vice-president is required to be completed before the expiration of the term.
  • Article 324 of the Constitution read with the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952 and the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974, vests the superintendence, direction and control of the conduct of election to the office of the Vice-President of India in the Election Commission of India.
  • The notification for election shall be issued on or after the sixtieth day before the expiration of the term of office of the outgoing Vice-President.
  • Since all the electors are members of both Houses of Parliament, the value of the vote of each Member of Parliament would be the same i.e.1 (one).
  • The Election Commission, in consultation with the Central Government, appoints the Secretary-General of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, by rotation, as the Returning Officer.
  • Accordingly, the Secretary-General, Lok Sabha will be appointed as the Returning Officer for the present election to the Office of the Vice-President of India.
  • The Commission also decides to appoint Assistant Returning Officers in Parliament House (Lok Sabha) to assist Returning Officers.
  • As per Rule 8 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974, polls for the election are taken in the Parliament House.