ICSE Class 10 Answered

1. A person shall be eligible for election as President, if

1. He is a citizen of India
2. He has completed 35 years of age at the time of election
3. He is qualified to become a member of the Lok Sabha.

However, a person is unable to stand for the election of President if he holds office under the Government of India or government of any state or under any local authority. Also, a person who already holds or has held an office can be entitled to re-election to that office, subject to the provisions of the Constitution.

2. The President can be elected indirectly by the members of the Electoral College consisting of:

1. Elected members of both the houses of Parliament
2. Elected members from the Legislative Assemblies of the states which include the National Capital Territory of Delhi and Union Territory of Puducherry. Nominated members from either House of the Parliament and State Assemblies are not eligible for the Electoral College. 50 members of the Electoral College should propose a presidential candidate and then that candidate needs to be seconded by another 50 members. Earlier this requirement used to be of 10 proposers and 10 seconders. The numbers were increased by an Ordinance promulgated in June 1997 which became an Act of Parliament on 29^th August 1997. The ordinance also raised the security deposit of the candidate for the Presidential election from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 15,000.

3. The President holds office for a term of 5 years from the date on which he enters upon his office. He continues to hold his office notwithstanding the expiry of his term. He is also eligible for re-election.