RNS: Election Commission of India has announced that Election of the 16th President of India is scheduled to be held on 18 July this year. The term of office of President Ram Nath Kovind is ending on the 24 July this year.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Thursday, said, notification for the poll will be issued on the 15 of June and the last date for filing nominations will be the 29 June. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on the 30 June. “The poll will be held on the 18 of July while counting will be taken up on the 21st of July,” he added.
The election will be held by secret ballot in accordance with the system of proportional representation as per the Constitution. The Commission is taking all necessary measures to ensure a free and fair poll, said Kumar.
The President is elected by an electoral college comprising elected members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. It also includes the Legislative Assemblies of Delhi and Puducherry.
The Secretary-General of Rajya Sabha will be the Returning Officer for the present election. He said, polling will be held in the Parliament House and the premises of the State Legislative Assemblies, said CEC.
The total number of electors will be 4,809 including 776 Members of Parliament and 4,033 Members of Legislative Assemblies. The total value of the votes will be 10 lakh 86 thousand 431, he said.
All COVID precautions and protocols will be followed on the day of polling and counting. The Election Commission has directed the Election Officers to use biodegradable material to avoid the use of plastic to make the election process eco-friendly, he said.