New Delhi, Aug. 21 -- Ahead of the upcoming elections for the post of Vice President of India, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday appointed two senior officers of the rank of Additional Secretary as Observers to oversee the electoral process.

The election, scheduled for September 9, will witness a direct contest between Justice (Retd.) B Sudershan Reddy, backed by the INDIA bloc, and the NDA's nominee, C P Radhakrishnan.

The last date for filing nominations is August 21, while candidates can withdraw their nominations until August 25. The Vice Presidential post fell vacant after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 21, citing health reasons.

Officers appointed by the EC...