NCERT Class 11 Political Science — Chapter 5: Executive

The correct option is 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

The election of the President of India is governed by Articles 54 and 55 of the Constitution. It is an indirect election conducted through a specific Electoral College, utilizing a system designed to ensure proportional representation.

Statement-wise Analysis:

• Statement 1 is Incorrect. The President is not elected directly by the ordinary citizens. The election is indirect, performed by the elected representatives of the people (MPs and MLAs).
• Statement 2 is Correct. Article 55(3) mandates that the election of the President shall be held in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (STV). Voting is conducted by secret ballot to ensure free and fair elections.
• Statement 3 is Correct. According to Article 54, the Electoral College consists of:
  1. The elected members of both Houses of Parliament (MPs).
  2. The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States (MLAs).
  3. The elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the Union Territories of Delhi and Puducherry.
  Nominated members of both Parliament and State Assemblies are excluded from the Electoral College.

Key Takeaway:
The President is elected indirectly via the Proportional Representation with Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV) system. The Electoral College comprises only elected members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies; nominated members do not participate.