Background of the Vice Presidential Election
The Vice Presidency of India is a critical position within the framework of the Indian government, with a term duration of five years. The period of service can be significant, as it shapes the direction of legislative discourse and represents the continuity of the executive. The incumbent Vice President, Hamid Ansari, began his tenure by taking the oath of office on August 11, 2007. His term came to a conclusion on August 10, 2012, marking the end of an era in Indian politics characterized by his notable contributions to the Rajya Sabha as both a presiding officer and a guardian of parliamentary procedure.
In preparation for the election to fill the vice-presidential role, the Election Commission of India engaged in a thorough and systematic process. The responsibility entrusted to them includes not only the conduct of the elections but also ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the electoral process. To facilitate the smooth execution of this election, T. K. Viswanathan was designated as the Returning Officer, while V. R. Ramesh served as the Assistant Returning Officer. The roles of these officers are pivotal in managing the intricacies of the election, including the nomination of candidates, scrutiny of applications, and the final conduct of the voting process.
The election itself is conducted among the members of both houses of Parliament, namely the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Each member's vote contributes to an electoral college that selects the Vice President, underscoring the importance of this democratic process in reflecting the collective voice of the elected representatives. As the tenure of the sitting Vice President concluded in 2012, candidates from various political backgrounds prepared to contest, highlighting the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of Indian politics during this period.
Electoral College
In the context of the 2012 Indian vice presidential election, the electoral college plays a crucial role as the authoritative body responsible for electing the Vice President of India. This electoral college is composed of a total of 790 voters, which includes all members of the two houses of India's Parliament: the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. Specifically, there are 245 members in the Rajya Sabha, which is the upper house, and 545 members in the Lok Sabha, the lower house. This unique composition ensures a representative balance in the electoral process, reflecting both the regional and national interests of the country.
The election of the Vice President is conducted through a secret ballot using a single transferable vote system, which allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. This method not only promotes a more democratic process but also ensures that the elected candidate has the broadest support possible among the Parliament members. The Vice President serves as the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha and plays a vital role in maintaining order and decorum during parliamentary proceedings.
Since the electoral college for the Vice Presidential election is made up solely of parliamentarians, the Vice President is not directly elected by the general populace. This distinction underscores the unique position of the Vice President within the Indian political framework, where they act as an intermediary between the Executive and Legislative branches of government. Their role encompasses not just parliamentary duties, but also responsibilities in representing India on various national and international platforms, thereby extending their influence beyond legislative affairs.
Election Process Overview
The 2012 Indian vice presidential election followed a structured timeline set by the Election Commission of India. This timeline was crucial for ensuring a smooth electoral process, which is an essential practice in maintaining democratic integrity. The official notification for the election was announced on July 6, 2012. This notification formally marked the beginning of the election process, allowing potential candidates and their supporters to prepare for the upcoming nomination phase.
Key Dates and Procedures
Candidates were given until July 20, 2012, to submit their nominations. This period allowed aspiring candidates to gather support and necessary endorsements from electoral college members, which includes the elected members of both houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of States and Union territories. Following the nomination deadline, the scrutiny of these nominations took place on July 21. This step was critical in ensuring that all candidates met the eligibility criteria as stipulated by the Constitution of India.
Once the scrutiny was completed, there was a brief period for candidates to withdraw their nominations, which lasted until July 23, 2012. This process allowed candidates to reassess their participation in light of potential competition. The election itself was scheduled for August 7, 2012, with voting taking place from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Given that the election used a secret ballot system, the lengthy voting hours facilitated more participation from the electoral college. The results were to be announced on the same day at 6:00 PM, ensuring a quick turnaround in confirming the elected vice president.
Importance of the Election
The vice presidential election is a pivotal component of India’s political framework, as the Vice President serves not only as the ceremonial head of the Rajya Sabha but also acts as a key figure in the legislative process. The election serves to reflect the political landscape of the country, providing key insights into party strengths and alliances at the time. In light of these elements, the 2012 election was significant, following the re-election of incumbent President Pranab Mukherjee earlier that year, showcasing the ongoing evolution of India's leadership dynamics.
By adhering to a comprehensive timeline and ensuring transparency throughout the election process, the Election Commission upheld the democratic principles that underpin the Indian republic.
Candidates in the 2012 Indian vice presidential election saw a notable level of engagement, with thirty-four individuals submitting their nomination papers. This figure reflects the competitive spirit surrounding the election, where a broad spectrum of candidates typically emerges, vying for the significant constitutional position of the Vice President of India. Among these candidates, seven were particularly proactive, filing their nominations on the very last day of the deadline. This last-minute rush underscores the urgency and strategic maneuvering often seen in electoral politics.
However, the selection process was not without its challenges. Among the thirty-four nominations submitted, four were subsequently rejected due to administrative oversights. These candidates failed to meet a crucial requirement, which mandated the inclusion of a certified copy of the entry related to the candidate's parliamentary constituency. This requirement is essential as it ensures that candidates possess the valid credentials necessary to participate in the election, thereby maintaining the integrity of the election process. Such rejections highlight the importance of adhering to electoral regulations, as well as the critical need for candidates to be thoroughly prepared and informed about the submission guidelines.
The vice presidential election in India holds significant importance, not only as a mechanism for appointing the second-highest constitutional authority but also as a reflection of the political dynamics within the country. Candidates are often evaluated not only on their experience and qualifications but also on their affiliation with major political parties, as party backing can significantly influence a candidate's chances of success. The events surrounding the nominations in 2012 are emblematic of the procedural rigor and the high stakes involved in Indian politics, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral contest.
Jaswant Singh, a prominent Indian politician and member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), officially filed his nomination papers for the vice presidential election on July 20, 2012. His filing took place in the presence of significant leaders from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a coalition of center-right political parties in India. To bolster his candidacy, three sets of nomination papers were submitted by L. K. Advani, the veteran BJP leader, Sumitra Mahajan, a fellow party member, and Yashwant Sinha, a senior politician and former finance minister. This show of solidarity highlighted the united front presented by the NDA as it sought to support Singh in this important electoral battle.
The announcement of Singh's candidature occurred earlier, on July 16, 2012, when the NDA firmly decided to nominate him. Following the formalities, Singh took proactive steps in his campaign by seeking the backing of influential regional leaders. On August 6, he planned to meet with Jayalalithaa, the leader of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister of Odisha and head of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Such meetings were essential in garnering broader support beyond the NDA, emphasizing the need for a coalition in India's diverse political landscape.
Jaswant Singh's political journey has been marked by his lengthy public service and ministerial roles, including those in finance and defense. His candidacy for vice president was not just a reflection of his personal ambitions but also of the NDA's strategy to unite its constituent parties against an opposing coalition. The 2012 vice-presidential elections were significant as they followed the successive terms of Pratibha Patil, and the political dynamics were highly competitive, shaped by the contemporary issues facing the nation. Singh's campaign aimed to resonate well with voters who value stability and experience in leadership positions, setting a tone for his vision if elected to the esteemed role of Vice President of India.
Nomination of Hamid Ansari
Hamid Ansari officially filed his nomination papers for a second term as Vice President of India on July 18, 2012. His candidacy was strongly supported by a coalition of prominent political figures from the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), including UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and a variety of leaders from different parties such as Mulayam Singh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party, and Lalu Prasad Yadav from the Rashtriya Janata Dal. The substantial backing from leaders across the political spectrum underscored the confidence in Ansari’s previous performance.
The formal announcement of Ansari's nomination was made during a UPA meeting held at the residence of Prime Minister Singh. Sonia Gandhi praised Ansari for his exemplary service in the role, stating, "Mohd Hamid Ansari will shortly complete a term as Vice-President of India. He has presided over the Rajya Sabha with dignity and distinction. The UPA is honoured to nominate him as its candidate for a second term as Vice-President of India." This endorsement not only reflected his capabilities but also the collective decision-making within the UPA coalition. Political unity was manifested as key representatives, including Mulayam Singh Yadav, Bahujan Samaj Party leader Satish Mishra, and INC general secretary Motilal Vora, submitted nominations to the election authority, further illustrating a solid front in support of Ansari.
While Ansari was the consensus candidate, there was speculation about possible alternative candidates when Mukul Roy from the All India Trinamool Congress mentioned the names of Gopalkrishna Gandhi and Krishna Bose. However, both potential candidates ultimately declined to contest the election. This situation highlighted the difficulties in rallying a diverse political league for a second contender, reinforcing Ansari’s position as the UPA's preferred choice for continuing leadership in the vice-presidential office. The 2012 election not only reaffirmed Ansari's significance in Indian politics but also shaped the importance of coalition politics in the country.
Outcome of the 2012 Vice Presidential Election
In the 2012 Indian vice presidential election, Mohammad Hamid Ansari was re-elected for a second consecutive term, making him a notable figure in Indian political history. Ansari distinguished himself as the second person to achieve this feat since Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was reelected in 1957. This successful re-election underlined Ansari's popularity and the trust placed in him by the electoral body.
The election showcased a competitive landscape with Ansari representing the Indian National Congress (INC) and Jaswant Singh from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Ansari's victory was marked by a significant margin, as he secured 490 electoral votes, translating to 67.31% of the total votes cast. In contrast, Jaswant Singh obtained 238 electoral votes, which accounted for 32.69%. The total number of electoral votes was 728, with valid votes comprising 98.91%, indicating a strong level of participation from the electors.
The election highlighted robust voter engagement, reflected in a turnout of 93.16%, as 736 electors participated in the process. This level of participation is significant, given the political climate of the time, and demonstrates the democratic commitment of the electorate. However, there were a small number of invalid votes recorded, totaling eight (1.09%), alongside 54 abstentions (6.84%). The total number of eligible electors for this election was 790, showcasing a diverse and engaged electoral demographic.
Ansari's victory had broader implications for Indian politics, particularly as he continued to embody the values of coalition politics and democratic governance. His leadership was characterized by a focus on inclusivity and dialogue, which resonated with many representatives from various parties. His re-election not only reinforced the INC's influence but also positioned Ansari as a key player in shaping future political discourse in India.