The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday confirmed that the process to elect the country’s next Vice President will be conducted “as soon as possible,” as the term of the incumbent Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar draws to a close.
Responding to mounting queries about the timeline for the vice presidential election, a senior official from the poll panel stated that the Commission is preparing to notify the schedule shortly, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The Vice President of India is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The current Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, assumed office in August 2022. His five-year tenure is expected to end in August 2027, but an early poll is necessitated in light of his likely elevation to another constitutional role, sources indicated.
While the ECI has not provided a specific date yet, it emphasized that the election would be conducted well within the constitutional deadline and with full transparency.
Political circles are already abuzz with speculation over potential candidates. Leaders from various parties have begun informal consultations, though no formal nominations have been made.
According to Article 66 of the Constitution, the Vice President is elected through a system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote, ensuring that the outcome reflects the strength of different political blocs in Parliament.
The Vice President also serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, making the role crucial for the functioning of the Upper House.
More details are expected to emerge once the Election Commission formally announces the poll schedule in the coming days.
