Vice Presidential Election 2025: ECI Finalises Electoral College List, Schedule to Be Announced Soon
New Delhi | July 31, 2025 — The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday confirmed that all essential preparations for the upcoming Vice Presidential election have been completed. The Commission announced that the updated Electoral College list—comprising eligible Members of Parliament who will vote in the election—has been officially finalised.
The announcement, made through a formal press note, marks a crucial milestone in the electoral process for the second-highest constitutional office in the country. The poll schedule is expected to be released within the next few days, following the completion of this administrative step.
ECI Completes Constitutional Obligation
The ECI, as mandated under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, is responsible for supervising and conducting elections for both the President and Vice President of India. In its press statement, the Commission said:
“The Commission has finalised the Electoral College list for the Vice Presidential Election, 2025. These members are listed in a continuous serial order, arranged alphabetically based on the State or Union Territory of their respective Houses.”
The Electoral College, in this case, comprises:
- Elected members of the Lok Sabha (Lower House)
- Elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha (Upper House)
This process is governed by Article 66(1) of the Constitution and implemented through the Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Rules, 1974, specifically Rule 40, which mandates preparation and maintenance of the Electoral College list.
What Led to This Election?
The upcoming election was triggered by the unexpected resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar earlier this month. Citing health reasons, Dhankhar stepped down from the post mid-way through his term, sending ripples through political corridors in Delhi and beyond.
Dhankhar, who took office in August 2022, served as the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and his resignation created an immediate vacuum in parliamentary leadership. Opposition parties had questioned the timing and intent behind his resignation, alleging that political calculations could be at play ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Why This Election Matters
The Vice President of India holds a critical position in the nation’s governance structure. Apart from being the constitutional successor to the President, if the office falls vacant, the VP also presides over the Rajya Sabha. Their neutral role in managing Upper House proceedings becomes pivotal in times of legislative gridlock.
Given India’s current political climate, marked by rising polarisation, an empowered or biased Vice President could significantly affect the legislative balance, particularly with crucial bills on national security, economy, and federal relations pending in Parliament.
The Political Temperature Rises
The finalisation of the Electoral College list has intensified speculation over potential candidates. While no official names have been announced yet, sources within the ruling alliance hinted at the possibility of nominating a senior leader with legal and parliamentary experience. Opposition parties are reportedly working to forge a consensus candidate to mount a credible challenge.
Political analyst Dr. Raghavendra Sinha commented to TheTrendingPeople.com:
“The Vice Presidential election is not just symbolic. It’s about who can command respect across party lines and maintain parliamentary decorum. Given recent ruckuses in the Rajya Sabha, this choice will be closely watched by all stakeholders.”
Next Steps: Schedule Expected Soon
Now that the Electoral College list is finalised, the ECI is expected to announce:
- Poll notification date
- Last date for filing nominations
- Scrutiny and withdrawal deadlines
- Polling and counting date
The voting for the Vice President is conducted through a secret ballot using the proportional representation system by means of the single transferable vote.
In the 2022 Vice Presidential elections, 528 MPs participated, and Dhankhar had secured over 74% of the valid votes. A similar turnout is expected this time, with numbers slightly altered post the 2024 general elections.
Voices from Parliament
Several members across party lines reacted to the ECI announcement:
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, “We hope this election will allow Parliament to choose a Vice President who can ensure dignity, neutrality, and adherence to the Constitution.”
BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Bhupender Yadav stated, “The ruling party is fully prepared. We are confident our nominee will reflect India's diversity and parliamentary values.”
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
With the Election Commission completing a vital procedural step, the Vice Presidential election process has now formally begun. In a year already charged with political realignments and policy debates, the choice of India’s next Vice President holds significant weight—not just for Parliament but for the nation’s constitutional ethos. As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on the ECI’s next move and the names that emerge in the race for the country’s second-highest constitutional office.
🔔 Stay tuned to TheTrendingPeople.com for exclusive updates, expert analysis, and real-time coverage of the Vice Presidential election 2025.