Election of the Vice President of India

 

When we talk about the Vice President of India, most people only remember that he or she is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. But have you ever wondered how this office bearer is actually elected? The process is quite unique, and understanding it is essential not just for UPSC aspirants but for anyone interested in India’s constitutional framework.

The Constitutional Basis

The election of the Vice President is provided under Article 66 of the Indian Constitution. Unlike the President, who is elected by a wider electoral college that includes both Parliament and State legislatures, the Vice President is chosen solely by Members of Parliament (MPs). This makes the election process more compact but equally significant.

The Electoral College

Here’s the interesting part – only Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, elected as well as nominated) form the electoral college for the Vice President. This means the State Legislative Assemblies have no role in this election.

So, if you visualize the picture, imagine both Houses of Parliament coming together, casting their votes, and deciding who will hold the second-highest constitutional office in the country.

The Voting System

The election is conducted by the Election Commission of India using the proportional representation system by means of the single transferable vote (STV).

• Every MP casts a vote, but it’s not a simple "tick and drop."
• Instead, MPs rank candidates in order of preference.
• To win, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the valid votes polled.

This method ensures that the elected Vice President enjoys wide acceptance across party lines, at least in theory.

Qualifications to be Vice President

To contest, a candidate must:

• Be a citizen of India.
• Have completed 35 years of age.
• Be qualified to be elected as a Rajya Sabha member.
• Not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any State.

The nomination requires the backing of 20 proposers and 20 seconders from among MPs, along with a security deposit (to discourage non-serious candidates).

Term and Oath

Once elected, the Vice President serves a five-year term, though he/she can resign earlier or be removed by a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by a majority of its members, and agreed to by the Lok Sabha.

The oath is administered by the President of India, and immediately, the Vice President begins functioning as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Significance of the Office

Why does this matter?

• The Vice President ensures smooth functioning of the Upper House, which represents the states.
• More importantly, in case of a vacancy in the President’s office (due to death, resignation, removal, or otherwise), the Vice President acts as the President until a new election is held.

So, while the position may seem secondary, it is a crucial link in India’s constitutional stability.