Presidential election 2017: Know all about Presidential elections process, electorate and voting system

From Freedom fighters to civil servants and politicians to scientists, India have  had 13 Presidents since 1950. In the process, the country on Monday will have the election for its 14th President who will hold the top constitutional post for the next 5 years.

Former Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind is the candidate of BJP led NDA while Meira Kumar is fighting on opposition’s support. 

“In these contests, numbers may be against us. But battle must be fought and fought hard.” 

The above statement of Congress President Sonia Gandhi tells the story and Ram Nath Kovind with the support of more than 50 per cent MLAs and MPs shall hold the supreme post of the President of India.

But do you know how the President of the Republic of India is elected?

The process is a little tricky but we have tried to simplify the “maths” behind the election of India’s top constitutional post.

Okay. The first thing you should know is the President is not elected by the People.

Instead, it is elected by an electoral college which includes members of the Parliament and State Assemblies. However, the nominated members are not allowed to vote. So, your favourite Sachin Tendulkar will not be voting in the election.

Total 4,120 members of the state legislative assemblies and 776 members of parliament elect the President of India.

Let me tell you it doesn’t mean there will be only 4896 votes (MLAs+MPs). There is a certain value of each MLA and MP's vote.

The value of an MLA’s vote differs across states but it remains the same for an MP’s vote.

The Value of an MLA’s vote depends on the population of each state. The total population of the state (1971 census) is divided by 1,000 and number of MLAs in the state assembly.

By this calculation, the value of an MLA’s vote in UP is different from Delhi and Sikkim. In UP, the value of an MLA’s vote is 208 while in Delhi it is 58. In Sikkim, it is only 7. 

The total value of all MLA votes is 5,49,495.

On the other hand, the value of an MP’s vote is same and it is 708. The total value of MLA votes is divided by the total no. of MPs (only elected).

A candidate needs more than 50 per cent votes to win the election. 

Post your comments and share if you find this article useful.