The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Thursday that it has finalized the Electoral College for the 2025 Vice Presidential election, triggered by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, 2025, citing health reasons. The move, a rare mid-term vacancy, marks the first early Vice Presidential election since 1987, with the poll schedule expected to be announced shortly.

The Electoral College, as per Article 66 of the Constitution, comprises all members of both Houses of Parliament—elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha (240, factoring five vacancies) and elected members of the Lok Sabha (542, with one vacancy in Basirhat).

Unlike the Presidential election, state legislators are excluded, and each MP’s vote carries equal weight (value of 1). The election, governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, and Rules, 1974, uses proportional representation via a single transferable vote system with secret ballots.

The ECI has appointed the Rajya Sabha Secretary General as the Returning Officer, with Garima Jain and Vijay Kumar as Assistant Returning Officers, following rotational convention. The Electoral College list will be available for purchase at the ECI office counter from the notification date, expected soon, with the election mandated to conclude by September 19, 2025, per Article 68.

Also Read: Opposition to Host Farewell Dinner for Jagdeep Dhankhar After Abrupt Exit

Dhankhar’s exit, amid speculation of deeper political motives, has intensified focus on the poll. The BJP-led NDA, with 422 MPs (293 in Lok Sabha, 129 in Rajya Sabha), holds a clear edge over the required 394 votes in the 786-member Electoral College. Candidates need 20 MPs as proposers and seconders each, with a Rs 15,000 security deposit. As preparations advance, the ECI is also disseminating background material on past Vice Presidential elections to ensure transparency.

Also Read: Kharge Suspects Foul Play in Dhankhar's VP Exit