The Election Commission of India has officially set the stage for a high-stakes vice presidential election, issuing a notification on Thursday for the September 9 poll. This follows the unexpected resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar on July 21, who stepped down citing health concerns, leaving the prestigious office vacant. Dhankhar’s term was originally set to conclude in August 2027, but constitutional provisions ensure the new vice president will serve a full five-year term, making this a pivotal contest.
The nomination process is now underway, with candidates required to file their papers by August 21. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on August 22, and the last date for withdrawal is August 25. The vice president, the second-highest constitutional office in India, is elected by members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, including nominated members of the Upper House. A candidate must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, and eligible for election to the Rajya Sabha. However, holding any office of profit under the government disqualifies a candidate.
Currently, the Lok Sabha has 542 members, with one seat vacant in Basirhat, West Bengal. The Rajya Sabha, with an effective strength of 240, has five vacancies—four in Jammu and Kashmir and one in Punjab, following AAP leader Sanjeev Arora’s resignation after his election to the state assembly. With a combined strength of 786 members, the winning candidate will need at least 394 votes to secure the position, assuming all eligible voters participate.
The ruling NDA coalition holds a strong position, commanding the support of 293 members in the Lok Sabha and 129 in the Rajya Sabha, bolstered by nominated members, totaling 422 votes. This gives the NDA a clear advantage in the electoral college. The election will follow the system of proportional representation by single transferable vote, with electors marking preferences on a secret ballot, as outlined in Article 66(1) of the Constitution.
The vice presidency carries immense significance, not only as a ceremonial role but also as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, playing a critical part in India’s legislative process. With the NDA’s numerical edge and the opposition scrambling to field a competitive candidate, political analysts anticipate intense lobbying and strategic maneuvering in the lead-up to the election. The outcome will shape the dynamics of India’s parliamentary framework for the next five years.