The President of India, officially recognized as the President of the Republic of India, serves as the ceremonial head of state and holds an important position 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 authority and symbolizes the unity of the nation.
Who is the Current President of India?
The 15th and current President of India is Droupadi Murmu, who assumed office on July 25, 2022. She made history by becoming the first tribal woman to hold the country’s highest constitutional office.
How to Become President of India?
If you’re wondering how to become the President of India, the process is defined under the Indian Constitution, primarily in Articles 52 to 62. The position was established on January 26, 1950, when India became a republic.
To become President, an individual must fulfill certain qualifications and go through an indirect election process involving elected representatives from across the country. Below, we explain the complete eligibility, qualifications, and election procedure.
Keep reading this article to know about 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
As per Article 58 of the Constitution of India, here are the qualifications for 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).
In addition, the eligibility of the President of India includes that the person:
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Must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India, any state government, or local authorities
However, certain office-bearers are allowed to contest the Presidential election even if they hold offices of profit, such as:
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The Vice-President of India
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The Governor of a state
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A Union Minister or State Minister, including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers
How is the President of India Elected?
Many people search for how is the President of India elected in a short answer format. Here’s a clear explanation:
The President of India is elected indirectly by an Electoral College comprising:
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Elected members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
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Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of all states and Union Territories with legislatures
This system ensures a broad representation of the people of India, even though the President is not directly elected by citizens.
Nomination Process
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A candidate must have 50 proposers and 50 seconders, all of whom must be members of the Electoral College.
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A security deposit of ₹15,000 must be submitted to the Reserve Bank of India.
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If the candidate fails to secure one-sixth of the total valid votes, the deposit is forfeited.
Voting System
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The election is conducted by secret ballot using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.
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Each vote has a value, and votes are weighted based on the population of the state and the size of the legislature.
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The goal is not just to secure the most votes, but to cross a specific quota required for election.
Who Elects the President of India?
To directly answer the popular question — “Who elects the President of India?”
The Electoral College, consisting of the elected representatives of Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies, elects the President through proportional representation.
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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