The Election Commission of India has announced dates for the most prominent election of the country. The elections for President of India will be held on 19th July 2012. The term of the present President, Pratibha Patil will end on 24th July 2012. The new President is likely to be sworn in by 22nd July 2012. There are speculations that the ruling UPA will nominate finance minister, Pranab Mukherjee as its candidate. According to Article 55 (3) of the Constitution of India, the election shall be held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote. The voting shall be by secret ballot.
As per the schedule released by Chief Election Commissioner of India, the notification for the Presidential poll will be issued on June 16, 2012. Last date for filing nominations will be June 30. Nominations can be withdrawn by July 4, 2012. The polling if required will be held on July 19, 2012. Counting of votes will take place 22 July 2012.
Polling for Presidential elections will be done through paper ballot. Electronic Voting Machines will not be used in this election. The Election Commission has appointed Secretary General to the Rajya Sabha as Returning Officer for the election of the President of India. Polling will take place in Parliament House for Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs. Polling for elected MLAs will be held in respective state assemblies.