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Source: This post is based on the article “Election Commission tweaks rules for allocation of symbols to unrecognised political parties” published in “The Hindu” on 4th January 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, the Election Commission of India brought in new rules for the allocation of symbols to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs).
What are the new rules?
1) RUPPs (Registered Unrecognized Political Parties) are now required to furnish audited accounts for the last three fiscal years.
2) They are mandated to submit expenditure reports for the two preceding elections.
3) The application process for symbols, along with the authorized party official’s signature, has been integrated into a unified format.
4) Annexure No. 3, which is a declaration that they have submitted the requisite reports, has been added to the application.
5) These updated regulations are set to be enforced starting January 11, 2024.
6) These modifications aim to streamline the process and improve transparency in the allocation of symbols to RUPPs.
What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties?
1) RUPPs are those parties which are either newly-registered parties or those which have not secured enough percentage of votes in the Assembly or general election to become a State party or those that have never contested elections after being registered.
2) 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”.
3) The EC receives the applications from RUPPs in prescribed proforma for allotment of symbol under Provisions of Para 10B of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968.
4) In September 2022, the EC had de-listed 86 non-existent RUPPs and declared another 253 as ‘Inactive RUPPs’.
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