EC likely to begin process for Vice President election after Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation: Sources

Dhankhar resigned with immediate effect on Monday, citing health grounds

The Election Commission (EC) is expected to soon begin the process to hold polls to elect the next vice president following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, sources told news agency PTI on July 22 (Tuesday).

Although there is no formal announcement yet, the sources said the process to hold the election for his successor could commence soon, especially after the Union home ministry officially notifying Dhankhar’s resignation on Tuesday.

The Constitution says in case a vice president dies in office or resigns or is removed, the poll to elect the next person to the office should be held “as soon as possible”.

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The next vice president will get a full five-year term in office, according to constitutional provisions.

Dhankhar resigned with immediate effect on Monday, citing health grounds.

The members of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, including those nominated, elect the vice president.

From the day the notification is issued, “calling the electoral college to vote”, and till the day of the poll, a period of 30 days is stipulated.

A person cannot be elected as the vice president unless he is a citizen of India, has completed 35 years of age and is qualified for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

A person is also not eligible if he holds any office of profit under the government of India or a state government or any subordinate local authority.

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