The President of India, officially recognized as the President of the Republic of India, is the ceremonial head of state and plays a central role in the country’s governance. As the figurehead of the executive branch and the commander-in-chief of the Indian Armed Forces, the President holds significant constitutional responsibilities. As the first citizen of India, the President’s role is crucial to maintaining the nation’s democratic values. For every citizen, understanding the election process for the President is vital, as it ensures the proper functioning of the country’s democratic framework.
Who is our President of India? The present President of India, currently serving as the 15th President, is Droupadi Murmu. She assumed office on July 25, 2022. If you’re wondering, who is the current President of India, the answer is Droupadi Murmu, who made history as the first tribal woman to hold this prestigious position.
The position of the President was created when India became a republic on January 26, 1950, following the adoption of its Constitution. The President is elected indirectly through an electoral college, which includes members from both houses of Parliament as well as the legislative assemblies of all states and Union Territories. These members, in turn, are directly elected by the people.
This article outlines the procedure for electing the President, including the qualification of the President of India, the functioning of the Electoral College, the voting system, and other important details. A deeper understanding of how the President of India is elected is essential for upholding the democratic integrity of the nation.
Qualification of the President of India
According to Article 58 of the Indian Constitution, certain qualifications must be met to be eligible for the presidency. To become the President of India, an individual must:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Be at least 35 years of age.
- Be qualified to serve as a member of the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament).
Additionally, an individual is disqualified from running for President if they hold any office of profit under the Government of India, any State Government, or any local or other governmental authority, subject to specific regulations.
However, there are certain office-bearers who are allowed to contest in presidential elections despite holding positions of profit. These include:
- The current Vice-President of India.
- The Governor of any Indian state.
- A Union Minister or a Minister from any State Government, including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers.
How is the President of India Elected?
The Indian President election results are determined through an indirect election process involving an Electoral College. This college consists of elected members from both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and the legislative assemblies (Vidhan Sabhas) of all Indian states and Union Territories. Thus, the President is not directly elected by the people but by a group of elected representatives.
For a candidate to be successfully nominated, they must have the support of at least 50 electors as proposers and another 50 electors as seconders. After nomination, the candidate must deposit a security amount of INR 15,000 in the Reserve Bank of India. If the candidate fails to secure at least one-sixth of the total votes cast in the election, the security deposit is forfeited.
Once the nominations and security deposit are complete, the election is conducted using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. Voting is done through a secret ballot, where not all electors cast the same number of votes, ensuring proportional representation.
The counting of votes follows a principle where the votes of members of Parliament and State Legislators are balanced. Legislators from larger states cast more votes, while those from smaller states cast fewer votes, ensuring proportional influence based on the number of legislators from each state.
The winner of the election is not the candidate with the highest votes, but the one who secures more than a specific quota of votes, which differs from typical election processes.
After the result is declared, the winner takes an oath or affirmation of office in the presence of the Chief Justice of India before assuming the role of the President.
Term of President in India
The term of the President in India is five years, starting from the date they assume office. However, the President may continue in office for multiple terms if re-elected. The President’s term can be shortened if they resign, are impeached, or pass away during their tenure.
Conditions for the Presidency
Article 59 of the Indian Constitution outlines specific conditions that prevent an otherwise qualified individual from running for the office of the President. These conditions include:
- The President cannot be a member of either house of Parliament or a state legislature. If a sitting member of either house is elected President, they are deemed to have vacated their seat in that house from the moment they begin their presidential term.
- The President must not hold any other office that provides financial benefits or profit.
- The President is entitled to use official residences without paying rent and is eligible for emoluments, grants, and privileges as defined by Parliament through law. Until such laws are established, the provisions listed in the Second Schedule apply.
- The President’s emoluments and grants cannot be reduced during their tenure in office.
Withdrawal of Candidature
Candidates have a designated time frame within which they can withdraw their candidature, as specified in the election notification. To withdraw, a candidate must submit a written notice to the Returning Officer, which must be signed by the candidate. Once the withdrawal period concludes, the Returning Officer will release the final list of candidates. Only those candidates who remain after the withdrawal period will appear on the ballot for the Presidential election.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the election of the President of India is a significant process that ensures the proper functioning of the country’s democratic system. While the President serves as the ceremonial head of state and plays an important role in upholding the Constitution, the election process itself involves careful procedures to ensure fairness and representation. Understanding how the President of India is elected, along with the qualification of the President of India, the conditions for the presidency, and the withdrawal of candidature process, is essential for every citizen to appreciate the democratic values upheld by this crucial institution.
Who elects the President? It is the members of the Electoral College — comprising elected representatives from both Parliament and State Legislatures — who elect the President, ensuring a fair and democratic process for one of the most important offices in the country.
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