EC Finalises Electoral College for Vice-Presidential Election Following Dhankhar’s Resignation

PTI, NEW DELHI, JULY 31, 2025 :  The Election Commission on Thursday announced that it has finalised the Electoral College for the upcoming Vice-Presidential election, necessitated by the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar from the post.

The Vice-President of India is elected by an Electoral College consisting of elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha, along with the elected members of the Lok Sabha. In an official statement, the poll authority confirmed the finalisation of the Electoral College list for the Vice-Presidential Election, 2025. The list will be available for purchase at a designated counter set up at the Election Commission office from the date of notification, which is expected to be issued shortly.

Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation as Vice-President on July 21, more than two years before the scheduled end of his term on August 10, 2027.

According to Clause 2 of Article 68 of the Constitution, an election to fill a vacancy in the office of the Vice-President—caused by death, resignation, removal, or otherwise—must be held "as soon as possible." The elected individual will hold office for a full five-year term starting from the date on which they assume office.

The Constitution also stipulates a 30-day window between the issuance of the election notification—formally calling the Electoral College to vote—and the date of the actual poll.

To qualify for election as Vice-President, a candidate must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years of age, and eligible for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Individuals holding any office of profit under the Government of India, a state government, or any subordinate local authority are disqualified from contesting.

In terms of numbers, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds a clear advantage in the forthcoming Vice-Presidential election. Currently, the 543-member Lok Sabha has one vacant seat—Basirhat in West Bengal—while the 245-member Rajya Sabha has five vacant seats.