Election Commission must immediately hold Vice-Presidential election due to mid-term vacancy

Following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice-President due to health reasons, the Election Commission is mandated to immediately announce an election to fill the mid-term vacancy. The Constitution does not provide for a method of succession for the Vice-President's office in cases of death, removal, or resignation, necessitating a fresh election. Until a new Vice-President assumes office, the Deputy Chairman will preside over Rajya Sabha proceedings. The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, through a system of proportional representation by single transferable vote and secret ballot, where each vote has a value of one.

Key Points

  • The Election Commission must immediately conduct an election to fill the Vice-President's office due to a mid-term vacancy.
  • The Constitution does not provide for succession in case of resignation, death, or removal of the Vice-President.
  • The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
  • The election uses proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote and a secret ballot, with each vote having a value of one.

Exam Facts

  • Jagdeep Dhankhar, 74, resigned as Vice-President.
  • Article 66 (1) of the Constitution governs the election of the Vice-President.
  • Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974, specify nomination procedures.
  • A candidate needs 20 proposers and 20 seconders, and a security deposit of ₹15,000.

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All current affairs of 23 July 2025