Vice-Presidential election scheduled for September 9

The Election Commission of India on Friday announced that the poll to appoint the next Vice President of India will be held on September 9, with the results to be declared the same day. The announcement comes in the wake of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's unexpected resignation on July 21 citing health reasons.

The Commission has issued the formal notification outlining the election schedule. The last date for filing nominations is August 21, scrutiny will take place on August 22, and the final date for withdrawal of nominations is August 25.

The Vice President is elected by an electoral college comprising members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, including nominated members. Voting will be conducted by secret ballot under the proportional representation system through the single transferable vote.

Jagdeep Dhankhar, who assumed office in August 2022, resigned just two years into his five-year term, making him one of the few vice presidents in India's history to step down mid-term. His resignation has triggered speculation about possible tensions with the ruling government, although no official statement has elaborated beyond health-related reasons.

The Election Commission has appointed the Secretary-General of the Rajya Sabha as the Returning Officer for the poll. The newly elected Vice President will also serve as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha, a key constitutional role with direct influence over legislative proceedings.