Election Commission Starts Preparing for Vice Presidential Election After Dhankhar's Resignation. Home Ministry Confirms Resignation. Electoral College and Election Date to be Decided Soon.
New Vice President: In India, the position of Vice President holds significant constitutional importance. Recently, this post has become vacant following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar. The Election Commission has now initiated preparations for the election of a new Vice President. The individual elected this time will serve a full five-year term, regardless of the remaining term of their predecessor.
What Happened After the Vice President's Resignation
Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from his post citing health reasons. He took this step just hours after presiding over the monsoon session of Parliament. Since the Vice President is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Deputy Chairman Harivansh is currently discharging his duties.
Dhankhar's resignation was submitted to the President, which was duly accepted by the Home Ministry. Subsequently, official notification of this was sent to the Election Commission. Now, the Election Commission has started formalizing the process for the Vice Presidential election.
Election Commission Preparations Begin
In its press note dated July 23, the Election Commission stated that the process for the Vice Presidential election has formally commenced. It mentioned that after receiving official notification of the resignation from the Home Ministry, the Election Commission has initiated necessary preparations.
These preparations mainly include two aspects:
- Formation of the Electoral College – This will include elected and nominated members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Appointment of the Returning Officer – Who will conduct the entire election process.
The election date has not yet been announced, but the Commission has indicated that all pre-announcement activities are being carried out rapidly and the election schedule will be made public soon.
How the Process Will Proceed According to the Rules
According to the Indian Constitution, if the office of the Vice President becomes vacant, new elections should be held as soon as possible. Although Dhankhar did not complete his five-year term, his successor will be elected for a full five years.
In the election of the Vice President, all members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha vote. No ordinary voter participates in this. The election process uses secret ballot and the single transferable vote system.
Who is Currently Fulfilling the Responsibility
Due to the Vice President's post being vacant, the role of Chairman in the Rajya Sabha is currently being fulfilled by Deputy Chairman Harivansh. He is conducting the session and smoothly proceeding with the proceedings of Parliament.
Now, the Election Commission has the responsibility to announce the election schedule as soon as possible. Once the date is fixed, the process of nomination, voting, and counting will be completed within the stipulated time frame. This election will be an important democratic process for both houses of Parliament.
