In Context
- The AAP formed a government in Punjab state and opened its account in Goa with two seats and a vote share of 6%.
- However, AAP is yet to become a national party.
How are Political Parties registered?
- Political Parties registrations are governed by the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- According to the EC, any party seeking registration has to submit an application to the Commission within a period of 30 days.
- Powers conferred by EC under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- Section 29A of RPA, 1951: Indian Citizen, Purpose of contesting elections, & 100 registered electors as its members.
- There is no procedure available for the de-registration of dormant political parties.
Conditions for recognising as a state or national party
- For becoming a state party:
- Must secure six per cent of the votes during the Assembly elections and two Assembly seats; or
- Six per cent of votes in the LS from the state and an MP from the state; or three per cent of total Assembly seats or three seats (whichever is greater); or
- One MP from every 25 Lok Sabha seats or eight per cent of total votes in the state during the Lok Sabha election from the state or the Assembly polls.
- For becoming a National Party:
- If Party is treated as a recognised political party in four or more states.
- Get at least six per cent votes in four states in addition to four Lok Sabha seats.
- It won at least two per cent seats in the LS (i.e., 11 seats in the existing House having 543 members).
Benefits of Political Party Registration
- It is not mandatory to register with the EC, however, registering has its own benefits like:
- A registered political party can avail itself of the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, (relating to registration of political parties).
- The candidates set up by a political party registered with the EC will get preference in the matter of allotment of free symbols vis-à-vis purely independent candidates.
- More importantly, these registered political parties, over course of time, can get recognition as a ‘state party’ or a ‘national party’ subject to the fulfilment of the conditions prescribed by the Commission in the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
- As per the rules, if a party is recognised as a ‘state party’, it is entitled for exclusive allotment of its reserved symbol to the candidates set up by it in the state in which it is so recognised.
- If a party is recognised as a ‘national party’ it is entitled to exclusive allotment of its reserved symbol to the candidates set up by it throughout India.
- In addition, recognised ‘state’ and ‘national’ parties:
- need only one proposer for filing the nomination and
- are also entitled for two sets of electoral rolls free of cost and
- broadcast/telecast facilities over state-owned Akashvani/Doordarshan during the general elections.
- But no travel expenses for star campaigners
About Election Commission India
- It was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25th January 1950.
- It is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India.
- The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, State Legislative Councils and the offices of the President and Vice President of the country.
- It is not concerned with the elections to panchayats and municipalities in the states.
- For this, the Constitution of India provides for a separate State Election Commission.
Constitutional Provisions
- Its powers, appointment and duties are mentioned in Part XV of the Constitution (Article 324 to Article 329) and the Representation of People Act.
- Article 324: Superintendence, direction and control of elections to be vested in an Election Commission.
- Article 325: No person to be ineligible for inclusion in, or to claim to be included in a special electoral roll on the ground of religion, race, caste or sex.
- Article 326: Elections to the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of States to be on the basis of adult suffrage.
- Article 327: Power of Parliament to make provision with respect to elections to legislature.
- Article 328: Power of Legislature of a State to make provision with respect to elections to such Legislature.
- Article 329: Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters.
Source: IE
