Election of President
Electoral College & Proportional Representation
PART I — THE ELECTORATE
ARTICLE 54
Electoral College
- The President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College.
- **Includes:** Elected MPs of both Houses, and Elected MLAs of States (including Delhi & Puducherry).
- **Excludes:** Nominated MPs, Nominated MLAs, and all members of State Legislative Councils (MLCs).
ARTICLE 55
Value of a Vote
- Votes are weighted to ensure parity between states, and between states and the Union.
- **MLA Vote Value:** Dependent on the state's population (frozen at 1971 census). An MLA from UP has a higher vote value than one from Sikkim.
- **MP Vote Value:** Total value of all MLA votes divided by total number of elected MPs.
PART II — THE SYSTEM
THE MECHANISM
Proportional Rep. & STV
- Elections use a system of proportional representation by means of the **Single Transferable Vote (STV)**.
- Voters do not just tick one name; they rank candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3...).
- If no candidate wins outright, the lowest candidate is eliminated and their votes are transferred based on 2nd preferences.
THE THRESHOLD
The Winning Quota
- Unlike general elections (First Past The Post), a candidate must secure a specific fixed mathematical quota to win.
- **Quota Formula:** $\frac{\text{Total Valid Votes}}{2} + 1$.
- Ensures the President is chosen by an absolute majority, reinforcing their position as the national representative.
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