Presidential Election in India

Context

The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for Presidential Elections 2022.

Key-points

• The Election Commission of India has announced 18th July as the date for electing the next President of India.
• The notification for the election will be issued on 15th June, the last date for nomination will be 29th June, and the polls to be held on 18th July. 
• The tenure of the 15th President of India ‘Ram Nath Kovind’ will come to an end on 24th July 2022.
• According to Article 62 of the Indian Constitution, an election to the President post due to the expiration of the office term shall be completed before the term ends.

About President of India

• Part V of the Indian Constitution precisely deals with the Union executive from Articles 52 to 78.
• The President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, and Attorney General of India constitute the Union executive.
• He is India's first citizen and serves as a symbol of the country's unity, integrity, and solidarity.

Eligibility

• The candidate should be an Indian citizen.
• Should have completed the age of 35 years.
• Should be qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha.
• Should not hold any office of profit under the Union Government or any state government or any local or other authority.
• The President should not be a member of any house of Union or State legislature.

About Election of the President

• The President of India is elected by an electoral college consisting of:
• Elected members of the two Houses of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies of the States.
• It includes the national capital territory of Delhi and the Union territory of Pondicherry.
• The President‘s election is held under a system of proportional representation through a single transferable vote.