Vote Value and Political Structure in the President of India Election

The election of the President of India is one of the most distinctive features of the nation’s constitutional and political framework. Unlike direct elections, where citizens vote in equal measure, the Presidential election is an indirect election based on a carefully crafted system of vote value and a unique political structure of the electoral college. This process ensures a balance between the Union and the States, reinforcing India’s federal democracy. 

Articles 52 to 62 of the Indian Constitution detail the office and election of the President. As per Article 54, the President is elected by the general public directly, and an electoral process comprising: 

Elected Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha). 
Elected Members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) and those of Union Territories with legislatures (Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir). 

This system symbolizes cooperative federalism, giving representation to both Parliament and State Assemblies. The most fascinating aspect of the election is the vote value system. Every MLA and MP’s vote is not equal; instead, its value is determined to balance representation of states by population and parity with the Union. 

The total value of all MLA votes across the country is divided equally among all elected MPs, ensuring Parliament has proportionate weight. This mechanism prevents dominance of either Parliament or any single state, ensuring a balanced outcome. 

The political structure of Presidential elections demonstrates: 

Union–State Balance: Neither the Centre nor the states can monopolize the election outcome. 
Role of Political Alliances: Parties form coalitions and sometimes field consensus candidates to reflect the broader democratic. 
Federal Spirit: By valuing state legislatures, the process reinforces the role of states in India’s governance. 

For students of Political Science, such constitutional mechanisms are not just theoretical—they provide real-world insight into India’s federalism, democracy, and electoral politics. 

IIBS Bangalore offers a UGC-approved Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, affiliated with Bengaluru City University. The program enables students to gain in-depth knowledge of the Indian Constitution and Governance, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, Electoral Systems, and Democratic Institutions. 

Alongside the degree, our unique Undergraduate program plus free 3200 hours of IAS/IPS coaching provides students with an added advantage, offering practical insights into India’s political structures and governance. 

The vote value system in Presidential elections is a prime example of India’s constitutional vision of balance, inclusivity, and cooperative federalism. For aspiring Political Science graduates, understanding this mechanism is vital to appreciating how India’s democracy functions beyond the ballot box. We nurture this critical perspective, equipping students to engage with the nation’s political and constitutional realities.