Registration of Political Parties

In News 

• Recently, the former Punjab Chief Minister announced to form his own political party in Punjab ahead of the state assembly elections. 
  • The Punjab legislative assembly elections are likely to be held in February or March 2022.

How are political parties registered in India?

• Registration of political parties is governed by the provisions of section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. 
• Deadline of application submission: 
  • A party seeking registration under the said section with the Commission has to submit an application to the Commission within a period of 30 days following the date of its formation as per guidelines prescribed by the Commission in the exercise of the powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.  
• Demand draft: 
  • The application must be accompanied by a demand draft for Rs10,000. It also needs to include a printed copy of the memorandum, rules and regulations or constitution of the Party. 
• Specific provision: 
  • There should be a specific provision in the Constitution/rules and regulations/memorandum of the party regarding organizational elections at different levels and the periodicity of such elections and terms of office of the office-bearers of the party.
•  Electoral rolls: 
  • It also needs to have the latest electoral rolls in respect of at least 100 members of the party to show that they are registered electors. 
• Affidavit Duty:
  • The application would also need an affidavit duly signed by the President or General Secretary of the party and sworn before a First Class Magistrate/Oath Commissioner)/ Notary Public to the effect that no member of the party is a member of any other political party registered with the Commission.
• Publishing  the proposed Name of the party: 
  • As per existing guidelines, the applicant association is, inter-alia asked to publish the proposed Name of the party in two national daily newspapers and two local daily newspapers, on two days for submitting objections, if any, with regard to the proposed registration of the party before the Commission within 30 days from such publication. 
  •  The notice for publication is also displayed on the website of the Election Commission.

Why is registering with the EC important?

• The candidates set up by a political party registered with the Election Commission of India will get preference in the matter of allotment of free symbols vis-à-vis purely independent candidates. 
• Further, registered political parties, in course of time, can get recognition as `State Party’ or National Party’ subject to the fulfilment of the conditions prescribed by the Commission in the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, as amended from time to time. 
  • If a party is recognised as a State Party, it is entitled to exclusive allotment of its reserved symbol to the candidates set up by it in the State of States 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. 
• Recognised `State’ and `National’ parties need only one proposer for filing the nomination and are also entitled to two sets of electoral rolls free of cost and broadcast/telecast facilities over Akashvani/Doordarshan during general elections.

Source: IE