Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: Unpacking the Unique Vote Counting System

• Counting for Rajya Sabha elections 2026 begins Monday 5 pm; 26 of 37 seats already unopposed, 11 seats contested in Bihar, Odisha, Haryana.
• Unlike general elections, Rajya Sabha uses Proportional Representation with Single Transferable Vote (STV) reflecting party strength in state legislatures.
• Counting starts after Returning Officer's report and Election Commission's written clearance; officials from Legislative Assembly Secretariat conduct it, candidates appoint agents.
• Ballots are validated: invalid if first preference missing, marked for multiple candidates, written in words, identifies voter, or uses non-official violet sketch pen.
• Quota determines win: (Total valid votes value / (Seats + 1)) + 1. Surplus votes transferred, lowest vote candidate eliminated and redistributed until all seats filled.