Overview and Constitutional Basis:
The Electoral College in India refers to the body of elected representatives responsible for electing the President of India. Its composition and functioning are laid down under Article 54 and Article 55 of the Constitution of India. The Electoral College consists of the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States and Union territories (with legislatures). The purpose of this structure is to ensure a balance between the Union and the States in the election of the Head of the Republic. It symbolizes India’s federal spirit, giving both the national and state representatives a voice in choosing the President, who serves as the constitutional head of the Union.
Legal Provisions and Voting Procedure:
Under Article 55, the election of the President is conducted through the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote and voting by secret ballot. The value of each MLA’s vote is determined by dividing the population of the state (as per the 1971 Census) by the total number of elected MLAs × 1/1000. The value of an MP’s vote is determined by dividing the total value of votes of all MLAs by the total number of elected MPs. The Election Commission of India conducts and supervises the election, ensuring free and fair voting. This mathematical balance ensures equal representation between the Union and the States, maintaining the democratic character of the process.
Significance and Constitutional Intent:
The composition of the Electoral College reflects the federal and democratic nature of India’s polity. It ensures that the President, though a national figure, is elected through a process that represents both Parliament and the State Legislatures. This method prevents dominance by either the Centre or the States and ensures a harmonious distribution of voting power. The system emphasizes consensus and cooperation between different levels of government. Furthermore, the provision ensures equality of representation, upholding the constitutional vision of unity in diversity while maintaining political balance between the Union and the States.
Real-Time Example:
In the 2022 Presidential Election, the Electoral College comprised 776 Members of Parliament and 4,033 Members of Legislative Assemblies, including representatives from the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry. The election resulted in Droupadi Murmu becoming the 15th President of India, marking a historic moment as she became the first tribal woman to hold the highest constitutional office. The election demonstrated the working of the Electoral College and its balance between the Union and the States in choosing the President through a democratic and constitutional procedure.
Mnemonic to Remember:
Mnemonic: “MEET – MPs, Elected MLAs, Equal Tally”
- M = Members of Parliament (elected only)
- E = Elected Members of Legislative Assemblies
- E = Election by proportional representation
- T = Tally ensures federal balance (Art. 54 & 55)
This mnemonic helps recall the key elements of the Electoral College — its members, method, and constitutional purpose of maintaining equality between the Union and States.
About lawgnan:
Explore the Electoral College in India under Articles 54 and 55 of the Constitution with a detailed breakdown at Lawgnan.in. Understand how MPs and MLAs together elect the President of India through proportional representation and secret ballot. Learn the method for calculating vote values, the Election Commission’s supervisory role, and how this process upholds India’s federal balance. Lawgnan provides easy, exam-ready notes with real examples like the 2022 Presidential Election, helping law students and UPSC aspirants grasp the democratic framework and constitutional significance of the Electoral College system in India.
