Electoral college for V-P poll finalised, notification soon

The Election Commission (EC) has finalised the electoral college for the election to the post of Vice-President.

The election was necessitated after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on July 21, citing health reasons. He remained the Vice-President for three years while two years of his term were remaining. The new Vice-President, however, will get a full five-year term.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the EC said the electoral college included all elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and the elected members of the Lok Sabha.

The Vice-President is chosen by the electoral college. The official notification for the election is likely to be issued soon, the EC said.

Last week, Rajya Sabha Secretary General PC Mody was nominated as the returning officer for the election.

As per Article 66(1) of the Constitution, the Vice-President is elected by the electoral college comprising the elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and the elected members of the Lok Sabha.

In compliance with Rule 40 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974, the EC is mandated to prepare and maintain an updated list of the members of the electoral college, along with their latest addresses.