Points to Remember:
- Nomination process
- Electoral College
- Voting procedure
- Role of the Election Commission
- Qualifications for the office
Introduction:
The Vice-President of India is the second-highest office in the country, succeeding the President in case of a vacancy. The election of the Vice-President is a crucial aspect of India’s democratic process, governed by Article 66 of the Constitution. Unlike the President, who is elected by an electoral college comprising elected members of both Houses of Parliament and state legislative assemblies, the Vice-President is elected only by the members of both Houses of Parliament. This reflects the Vice-President’s primarily legislative role as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
Body:
1. Nomination:
Any citizen of India who is qualified to be a member of the Rajya Sabha (i.e., at least 30 years of age) can be nominated as a candidate for the Vice-Presidential election. Nominations are made in writing, signed by at least 20 electors (members of Parliament) and are submitted to the Election Commission of India. The nomination must be accompanied by a security deposit.
2. Electoral College:
The electoral college consists of all the members of both Houses of Parliament â the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Each member has one vote. The total number of electors varies depending on the current strength of both Houses.
3. Voting Procedure:
The election is conducted by the Election Commission of India following a secret ballot system. The voting process is similar to that of other parliamentary elections. Members cast their votes in a designated polling station. The Election Commission scrutinizes the nominations, and the election is held on a pre-determined date.
4. Counting of Votes and Declaration of Results:
After the voting is completed, the votes are counted by the Election Commission. The candidate securing the highest number of votes is declared elected as the Vice-President. In case of a tie, the Election Commission may resort to a lot (drawing of lots) to decide the winner.
5. Qualifications for the Office:
To be eligible for election as Vice-President, a person must be a citizen of India, must have completed 35 years of age, and must be qualified to be a member of the Rajya Sabha. The person should not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any state government.
Conclusion:
The election of the Vice-President of India is a well-defined process, ensuring a fair and transparent selection of the individual who will serve as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the successor to the President. The secret ballot system safeguards the integrity of the election, and the role of the Election Commission guarantees impartiality. The process, while straightforward, underscores the importance of the legislative branch in the selection of this crucial constitutional office. To further enhance the process, periodic reviews of the election procedures could be undertaken to ensure they remain aligned with evolving democratic best practices and technological advancements. This will contribute to a more robust and efficient system for electing the Vice-President, strengthening India’s democratic foundations.
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