New Delhi: Ten days after the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar as Vice President of India, the Election Commission has announced that elections for the post will be held on 9 September.
The schedule for the election states that the notification will be issued on 7 August, and the last date for making nominations is 21 August. The nominations will be scrutinised on 22 August, and the polling date as well as counting date would be 9 September.
The Vice President is elected by an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament. This is done in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote, which includes electors marking their preferences against the candidates contesting the election. The preferences for the candidates are to be marked by the elector, by placing the figures 1,2,3,4, 5 and so on, against the names of the candidates, in the order of preference. The voting takes place through a secret ballot.
On Thursday, the Election Commission had said it had finalised the electoral college for the vice-presidential election.
Dhankhar had resigned from office on 21 July, citing health concerns. His letter read: “To prioritise healthcare and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.”
Dhankhar, who assumed office in August 2022, expressed his “deep gratitude” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying: “(The) Prime Minister’s cooperation and support have been invaluable, and I have learned much during my time in office.”
He also extended his gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu for her “unwavering support and the soothing, wonderful working relationship” during his tenure as Vice President. Dhankhar also served as governor of West Bengal in the past.
“It has been a privilege and satisfaction to witness and partake in India’s remarkable economic progress and unprecedented exponential development during this significant period. Serving in this transformative era of our nation’s history has been a true honour,” his letter added.
(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)
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