Election Commission De-lists 474 More Inactive Political Parties
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has de-listed an additional 474 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) for failing to comply with electoral norms. This action targets parties that have not contested any election for six consecutive years. The move is part of the ECI's ongoing efforts to cleanse the electoral system of non-serious entities. With this second phase of de-listing, a total of 808 such parties have been removed from the register in the last two months.
Unpacked:
RUPPs registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, gain certain privileges such as access to election symbols and tax exemptions. These benefits are intended to facilitate their participation in the electoral process.
The main criterion is the failure to contest any election for six consecutive years. Additionally, parties may be delisted for not submitting annual audited accounts or failing to file election expenditure reports within the stipulated time.
Before delisting, state and union territory Chief Electoral Officers issue show-cause notices to the identified parties, providing them an opportunity for a hearing. The final decision is made by the Election Commission after considering these reports.
Delisted parties lose legal recognition and associated privileges, such as election symbols and tax benefits. This action aims to make the electoral system more transparent and efficient by removing non-serious entities from official records.