New Delhi: The Election Commission on Thursday announced that the election of India's next vice-president will take place on August 5.
The term of the present incumbent Hamid Ansari, who has held the post for two consecutive terms, is coming to an end on August 10.
"The date of polling, if required, will be August 5. Counting, if required, will be done on August 5," chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi told the media here.
The last date for filing nominations was July 18 while scrutiny of nomination papers would take place on July 19, he said.
The notification would be issued on July 4, while the last date for withdrawal of nomination would be July 21.
Members of Parliament will use special pens for marking their choice, Zaidi said on Saturday while announcing the schedule.
He said no whip can be issued by political parties.
Secretary seneral of Rajya Sabha Shumsher K Sheriff will be the returning officer for the election, Zaidi said.
Ansari was the vice-president and ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha from August 11, 2007, to August 10, 2012. He was re-elected to the post on August 11, 2012.
The electoral college which elects the vice-president, who is also the ex officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha, consists of elected and nominated members of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.
The total strength of the two Houses is 790, but there are some vacancies.
