How is the Prime Minister of India chosen?

The Prime Minister is not directly elected by voters. Under Article 75 of the Constitution, the President appoints the person who can command the support of a majority in the Lok Sabha.

• After a general election, the leader of the party or alliance with a majority is usually invited to form the government.
• If no party has a clear majority, the President uses discretion to invite the person most likely to win a majority.
• The new Prime Minister must prove majority support on the floor of the Lok Sabha.
• The Prime Minister can be a member of either house of Parliament. A person who is not a member when appointed must become one within six months.

The Prime Minister then recommends the other ministers, who are appointed by the President, and the whole Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. If the government loses its majority, the Prime Minister must resign.