Understanding the complex process of political party registration in India, governed by the Election Commission. Explore the types of parties, benefits of registration, and the online system for application.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for overseeing the political party registration process in India. The ECI conducts free and fair elections and is a constitutional body. The registration process is governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA), specifically Part IV-A.

Governing Body

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the sole authority responsible for registering political parties in the country.
• Established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, the ECI derives its power from the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Who Can Register?

• Only an association or body of individual citizens of India can register as a political party.
• The party must intend to avail itself of the provisions of Part-IV-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which deals with the registration of political parties.

Eligibility Criteria for Political Party Registration

• Only an association or body of individual citizens of India can apply for registration as a political party.
• The association must intend to avail itself of the provisions of Part-IV-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which pertains to the registration of political parties.
• The application for registration must be accompanied by a set of documents, including:
  • Memorandum of Association outlining the party’s name, objectives, and rules.
  • List of office bearers with their addresses and occupations.
  • Undertaking declaring adherence to the Constitution and the ECI’s guidelines.

Registration Requirements

• Only associations or bodies of individual citizens of India can be registered as political parties.
• The association must have a written constitution specifying its name, objectives, and organizational structure.
• It must have a head office and branches in various parts of the country.
• A minimum of 100 members is required, distributed across at least three different states/Union Territories.
• An application form must be submitted to the ECI with relevant documents and fees.

Political Party Registration Registration Process

• The ECI verifies the application and may seek clarifications or additional information.
• The application is reviewed by a committee of the ECI.
• If approved, the party is registered and issued a certificate of registration.
• If rejected, the party can appeal to the Election Tribunal.

Benefits of Registration

• Registered parties are entitled to various benefits, including:
  • Exclusive allotment of a reserved symbol to their candidates.
  • Access to electoral rolls.
  • Tax benefits.
  • Free airtime on radio and television for election campaigns.
  • Financial assistance from the government.

Types of Political Party Registration

• National Party: Recognized across all Indian states and entitled to exclusive allotment of its reserved symbol throughout India.
• State Party: Recognized in one or more specific Indian states and entitled to exclusive allotment of its reserved symbol in those states.
• Unregistered Party: Not recognized by the ECI but can still contest elections without a reserved symbol.

Recognition as National or State Party:

• Based on their performance in elections, parties can be recognized as National or State parties.
• This recognition grants additional benefits such as:

1. Higher election expenditure limit.
2. Prioritization in allotment of time for election broadcasts.
3. Representation on various committees and bodies.

• Online Tracking System: The ECI has implemented the “Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System (PPRTMS)” for online application submission and tracking of the registration process.

• Recent developments:

1. The ECI has implemented the Political Parties Registration Tracking Management System (PPRTMS), an online portal for submitting and tracking applications.
2. The ECI has been taking steps to streamline the registration process and make it more transparent.
3. As of October 2023, there are 2830 registered political parties in India.
4. Of these, eight are recognized as National parties and 54 as State parties.

Conclusion:

Understanding the political party registration in India is crucial for anyone interested in participating in Indian politics. With its strong democratic traditions and diverse political spectrum, India offers a unique and dynamic environment for political engagement. By understanding the registration process and its implications, individuals and organizations can navigate this complex landscape more effectively and contribute to strengthening India’s vibrant democracy. Get in touch with our Vakilsearch experts and learn more!

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