Process for election of next VP already in motion, says EC

NEW DELHI: Confirming that the process for election of the new VP has already been set in motion, EC Wednesday said it has begun the pre-announcement activities and an announcement of the poll schedule will "follow as soon as possible".

Considering almost a month's time is mandatorily required between issue of the election notification and actual polling - covering the 14-day nomination period, a day for scrutiny of nominations, two days for withdrawal of nominations and a minimum 14 days of campaigning - the VP election is unlikely to be completed by Aug 21, when the monsoon session is due to conclude.

EC's pre-announcement activities include preparation of electoral college, which consists of elected as well as nominated members of RS and elected members of LS; finalisation of the returning officer (RO) and assistant returning officer (ARO); and preparation and dissemination of background material on past VP elections.