Rules for allocation of symbols to unrecognised political parties

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)?
• Allotment of election symbols to political parties in India
• Split of a recognised political party and the issue of election symbol
• News Summary: Rules for allocation of symbols to unrecognised political parties
• Key highlights: Rules for allocation of symbols to unrecognised political parties

Why in news?

• The Election Commission of India introduced new regulations for allocating symbols to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs).
• Now, these parties must provide:
  • audited accounts from the last three financial years,
  • expenditure statements from the last two elections, and
  • the signature of the authorized party official along with their symbol application.

Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)

• Registration of political parties
  • Article 324 of the Indian Constitution grants the ECI the authority to register political parties.
  • The registration of all political parties is governed by the provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
  • According to the ECI, any party seeking registration must file an application (to the Secretary to the ECI) within 30 days of its formation.
• About RUPPs
  • These parties include:
    • newly registered ones,
    • those that haven't gained sufficient votes to be a state/national party, and
    • those that have never participated in elections since their registration.
  • Such parties do not enjoy all the benefits extended to the recognised parties.
    • A recognised political party shall either be a National party or a State party if it meets certain laid down conditions.

Allotment of election symbols to political parties in India

• Responsibility of ECI
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for the allotment of symbols.
  • This is done under The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.
  • This rule is meant to provide for specification, reservation, choice and allotment of symbols at elections in Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies, for the recognition of political parties.
  • Symbols can be either reserved, meaning they are exclusive to a recognised political party, or ‘free’.
    • A political party can be recognized as a national or state party if it meets the certain criteria.
  • The EC publishes lists specifying the parties and their symbols through a notification in the Gazette of India.
• Unrecognised registered parties and election symbol
  • Unrecognised registered parties’ candidates can choose from free, non-exclusive symbols.
  • After being selected by parties, in subsequent elections, these symbols are declared free again for others to choose.
• Recognised parties and election symbol
  • Recognised national and state parties get exclusive symbols.
• Unregistered parties and election symbol
  • These are supposed to give the names of ten symbols, in order of preference, out of the list of free symbols notified by the commission.
  • As per the 1968 order, party may also propose three new symbols of their choice, with the names and clear design and drawings of symbol, in the order of preference.
  • The Commission, then, may consider these symbols for allotment as its common symbol if there is, in its opinion, no objection in allotting such symbol.
    • Symbols proposed by the parties should have no resemblance to the existing reserved symbols or free symbols, or any religious or communal connotation, or depict any bird or animal.

Split of a recognised political party and the issue of election symbol

• Para 15 of the Symbols Order, 1968empowers EC to decide on the claim of rival factions in case of split.
  • EC decides on the issue after taking into account all the available facts and circumstances of the case and hearing their representatives.
• The decision of the Commission is binding on all such rival sections or groups.
• For splits in registered but unrecognised parties, the ECI usually advises the warring factions to resolve their differences internally or to approach the court.

News Summary: Rules for allocation of symbols to unrecognised political parties

• The Election Commission of India has brought in new rules for allocation of symbols to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs).

Key highlights: Rules for allocation of symbols to unrecognised political parties

• Existing practice
  • Common symbols are provided to RUPPs based upon an undertaking that they would put up at least 5% of total candidates with regard to said Legislative Assembly election of a State.
• Steps taken in 2014 to bring more transparency
  • In order to ensure transparency, the EC had in 2014 given directions that RUPPs wanting to avail the benefits of having a common symbol have to submit:
    • the proof of having filed up-to-date contribution reports,
    • audited annual accounts,
    • update of election expenditure statements, and
    • their latest organisation details.
• What changes now
  • Earlier the RUPPs were giving the above-mentioned details separately.
  • Now these details are being made part of the format of application for common symbol.
  • The new rules would come into effect from January 11 this year.

Q1) What is the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA)?

The Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA) is an act of the Indian Parliament that governs the conduct of elections to the Houses of Parliament and state legislatures. The act also covers qualifications and disqualifications for membership of these houses, as well as corrupt practices and other offenses.

Q2) What is the Election Commission of India? 

The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body. It was established by the Constitution of India to conduct and regulate elections in the country.

Source: Election Commission tweaks rules for allocation of symbols to unrecognised political parties | Ministry of Law and Justice | Election Commission of India | Indian Express