ECI Names Rajya Sabha Secretary General as VP Election Returning Officer

speedy Summary

• Appointment: The Election Commission of India has designated P.C. Mody,Secretary General of Rajya Sabha,as the Returning Officer for vice-presidential elections.
• Governance Protocol: By convention, either the Secretary General of Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha serves as returning Officer on a rotational basis. Additionally,two senior officers from thes secretariats are named Assistant Returning Officers.
• Election Process: The Vice-President is elected by an Electoral College comprising members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha without party whip restrictions.
• Nomination Rules:

– Nomination papers require at least 20 proposers and 20 seconders.
– They must be submitted to the Returning Officer between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on designated days by either the candidate or their proposers/seconders.

• Security Deposit: A deposit amounting to ₹15,000 is required for candidacy submission.
• Mid-term Vacancy: Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned as Vice-President citing health reasons on July 21, creating an unusual mid-term vacancy.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The declaration regarding upcoming vice-presidential polls highlights an essential democratic mechanism in India’s constitutional framework. The resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar due to health reasons introduces complexities associated with mid-term vacancies in high offices-situations that occur rarely but underline institutional readiness to ensure smooth transitions.

The criteria governing nominations reflect efforts toward clarity and rigorous procedures aimed at maintaining high standards for candidature eligibility within India’s political system. Furthermore,voting freedom for members ensures that portrayal stems from individual choices rather than enforced party directives.

India’s adherence to established conventions in appointing election officials reinforces trustworthiness in administrative processes while preserving democratic norms crucial amid shifting leadership dynamics at national levels.

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