The Vice President of India is the second highest constitutional office in the country. Articles 63 to 71 of the Constitution deal with the office. The Vice President is also the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
Who elects the Vice President
Under Article 66, the Vice President is elected by an electoral college made up of all members of both Houses of Parliament. Unlike the presidential election:
- nominated members of Parliament can also vote, and
- members of state Legislative Assemblies do not vote.
How voting works
The election is held by secret ballot under proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. Every MP’s vote has the same value. Electors mark preferences, and a candidate needs more than half of the valid votes, the quota, to win. If no one reaches it on first preferences, lower ranked candidates are eliminated and their votes transferred.
Who can contest
A candidate must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old and qualified to be elected to the Rajya Sabha. They must not hold an office of profit. Nominations need at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders from among the electors, along with a security deposit.
Also Read: How Rajya Sabha Election Works: Who Votes, Seats per State and the Single Transferable Vote | No-Confidence Motion Explained: How It Works in the Lok Sabha and What Happens if a Government Loses
Term and removal
The Vice President holds office for five years and can be re elected. The Vice President can resign by writing to the President. Removal requires a resolution of the Rajya Sabha passed by a majority of all its members and agreed to by the Lok Sabha, with 14 days’ notice.
If the office falls vacant before the end of the term, an election must be held as soon as possible, and the new Vice President gets a full five year term.
Role as Rajya Sabha Chairman
As Chairman, the Vice President presides over the Rajya Sabha, maintains order, decides points of order, and decides disqualification petitions against Rajya Sabha members under the anti defection law. The Chairman has a casting vote in case of a tie. The Deputy Chairman presides in the Chairman’s absence.
Acting as President
If the office of President falls vacant due to death, resignation or removal, the Vice President acts as President until a new President is elected, which must be within six months. During this time, the Vice President does not perform the duties of Rajya Sabha Chairman.
Conduct of the election
The Election Commission of India conducts the election, and disputes are decided by the Supreme Court.
Bottom line
The Vice President is elected only by MPs, including nominated members, and plays a key role as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and as a standby for the President.
Source / स्रोत: Vice President of India, Election Commission of India, Constitution of India
