The election of the President of India is a complex process designed to ensure fair representation from across the country. Here is a detailed overview of the process:
Electoral College
The President of India is elected not by the general public but by an electoral college consisting of:
- Elected Members of Parliament: Both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States).
- Elected Members of Legislative Assemblies: All state legislative assemblies.
- Elected Members of Union Territories: The legislative assemblies of the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry.
Value of Votes
The Constitution ensures uniformity and parity in representation across different states and between the states and the Union. The value of each vote is calculated based on the population of each state and the number of elected representatives:
- Value of an MLA's Vote:
➤ Total population of state / (Total number of elected members in the state * 1000)
➤ For, example take state A, its population is 100000, and total MLA is 10, so value of vote of an MLA will be 10000/(10*1000) = 10
- Value of an MP's Vote:
➤ Total value of votes of all MLAs of all states / total number of elected MPs
Election System
The President's election is conducted using the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. Voting is by secret ballot. This system aims to ensure that the elected candidate receives an absolute majority of votes.
- Quota for Election:
➤ The quota of votes required for a candidate to be elected as President is calculated by dividing the total number of valid votes polled by the number of candidates to be elected (in this case, one) plus one, and then adding one to the quotient.
Disputes and Doubts
- Resolution by the Supreme Court:
➤ Any doubts or disputes arising in connection with the election of the President are settled by the Supreme Court of India, and its decision is final.
- Validity of Actions:
➤ If the election of a person as President is declared void by the Supreme Court, actions performed by the President before the date of such declaration remain valid and in effect.
66th [RE] BPSC
Q. Electoral College for the election of the President of India consists of -
A. Only the members of Lok Sabha
B. Only the Members of State Legislative Assemblies and Lok Sabha
C. Only the Elected Members of Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies
D. None of the above
41st BPSC
Q. In India, the President is elected by-
A. Direct Election
B. Single Transferable Vote System
C. Proportional Vote System
D. More than one of the above
38th BPSC
Q. If there is any dispute regarding the Presidential election, it can be referred to –
A. Supreme Court of India
B. Parliament
C. Attorney General of India
D. None of the above