New Delhi, Aug 22: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed two senior bureaucrats as official observers for Vice-Presidential Election scheduled on September 9, 2025.

The Commission, exercising its authority under Article 324 of the Constitution, named Sushil Kumar Lohani, IAS (Odisha cadre, 1995 batch), currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and D. Anandan, IAS (Sikkim cadre, 2000 batch), Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure, to oversee the electoral process.

Their responsibilities will include monitoring the conduct of polling and vote counting, ensuring adherence to electoral guidelines, and reporting any irregularities. The ECI emphasized that the appointment of these seasoned officers reflects its commitment to a free and fair election.

Additionally, Nitin Kumar Shivdas Khade, IAS (Assam-Manipur cadre, 2004 batch), Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development, has been placed on the reserve list to step in if required.

The Vice-Presidential race has drawn significant attention, with NDA nominee C.P. Radhakrishnan facing off against Opposition INDIA bloc candidate Justice (Retd.) B. Sudarshan Reddy.

As per the schedule for the Vice-Presidential Election, 2025 notified by the ECI on August 7, 2025, the poll and counting of votes will be held on September 9, 2025.

The election follows the resignation of former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who stepped down last month citing health reasons.