EC Starts Process to Elect New Vice-President
The poll panel said it is also finalising returning officers for the vice presidential election.
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the process to elect the next Vice-President after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation on Monday. On Wednesday, the ECI announced that it has begun constituting the Electoral College, comprising both elected and nominated MPs from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, to vote in the Vice-Presidential election. The ruling BJP enjoys a comfortable margin in the Electoral College.
In its statement, the ECI noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs, via Gazette Notification S.O. 3354(E) dated July 22, 2025, formally recorded Dhankhar’s resignation. Under Article 324 of the Constitution and in accordance with the Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and the Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Rules, 1974, the ECI is mandated to conduct this election. Preparations are already under way, and the official election schedule will be announced shortly.
Key pre announcement activities include finalising the list of electors, appointing the Returning Officer and assistant returning officers, and preparing and distributing background material on all previous Vice Presidential elections.
Although Dhankhar’s term was due to end on August 10, 2027, he resigned on health grounds, and the home ministry issued the formal notification on Tuesday. According to the rules, the new Vice-President must be elected within 30 days of the ECI’s notification. Eligible candidates must be Indian citizens, at least 35 years old, and qualified for Rajya Sabha membership; they must not hold any “office of profit” under the Central or state governments or any subordinate local authority.
Currently, the Lok Sabha has 543 seats with one vacancy, and the Rajya Sabha has 245 seats with five vacancies, making the combined effective strength 786. Therefore, a candidate must secure at least 394 votes to win, assuming full participation. The ruling alliance commands the support of 422 members, placing its preferred nominee in a strong position.
