POLITICAL PARTY REGISTRATION

Registration of a political party in India is governed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) under the provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. A registered political party gains legal recognition, becomes eligible for tax exemptions, and can contest elections under a common platform.

1. What is a Political Party?

A political party is an organized group of citizens with common political ideology, programs, and objectives formed to contest elections and influence government policy.

2. Authority for Registration

Political parties in India are registered by the:
Election Commission of India (ECI)
Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi.

3. Why Register a Political Party?

Registration provides several benefits:

• Legal recognition as a political party
• Ability to contest elections under the party name
• Eligibility for reserved election symbols after recognition
• Access to electoral rolls and party lists
• Tax exemptions on donations under Section 13A of Income Tax Act
• Permission to open bank accounts in party name
• Increased transparency and credibility

4. Eligibility Criteria for Registration

To register a political party, the following conditions must be met:

• The party must have a unique name not resembling existing parties.
• The party must have a written constitution.
• The party must have a minimum of 100 members (usually recommended).
• All members must be Indian citizens.
• The party must follow constitutionally declared principles: democracy, secularism, and unity.

5. Documents Required for Registration

1. Application to the Election Commission

• Submitted in Form prescribed under Section 29A
• Signed by the Party President or General Secretary

2. Party Constitution (Mandatory)

Must include:

• Name, aims, and objectives
• Organizational structure
• Membership rules
• Election of office bearers
• Disciplinary procedures
• Financial transparency provisions

3. Affidavits

• Signed affidavits from at least 100 members
• Stating they are citizens of India and members of the party

4. List of Office Bearers

• Name, address, occupation, and photograph of all office bearers

5. List of Members

• Minimum 100 members
• Their Names, signatures, addresses, voter ID copies

6. Party Headquarters Address Proof

• Rent agreement / electricity bill / NOC from landlord

7. PAN & Bank Account Details

• PAN of the party
• Bank account details (after registration)

8. Publication of Notice in Newspapers

• Within 30 days of application,notice must be published in:
• One national daily
• One local daily (vernacular)

6. Registration Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1:Name Selection
Choose a unique party name not similar to existing ones.

Step 2: Draft Party Constitution
According to ECI guidelines.

Step 3: Prepare Application
Application addressed to ECI with required documents.

Step 4: Submission
Submit documents to ECI office in New Delhi

Step 5: Newspaper Publication
Publish notice in 2 newspapers within 30 days.

Step 6: Scrutiny by ECI
ECI reviews documents, constitution, membership list, and objections from public.

Step 7: Registration Certificate
If satisfied, ECI issues a CCertificate of Registration under Section 29A.

Processing Time: Usually 3–4 months after submission

7. Recognition of a Party

After registration, a party can be:

• National Party
• State Party

Recognition is based on election performance, not merely registration.

8. Conditions for Recognition

Recognition depends on:

• Votes polled
• Seats won in Lok Sabha / Assembly
• Percentage of vote share

Recognition provides:

• Reserved election symbol
• Time allocation on Doordarshan / AIR
• Priority in election-related matters

9. Rights of a Registered Political Party

• Can accept voluntary contributions/li>
• Eligible for tax exemption
• Can own property, office buildings
• Can contest elections under party name
• Can appoint polling agents, counting agents
• Eligible for star campaigner list

10. Obligations & Compliance

Every registered political party must:

• Maintain accounts
• Submit audited financial statements annually
• File Contribution Report under Section 29C
• Submit Election Expenditure Reports
• Follow Model Code of Conduct during elections

11. Symbol Allocation

Newly registered parties can:

• choose from free symbols
• Apply later for a reserved symbol after fulfilling recognition criteria

12. Grounds for Rejection or Deregistration

ECI may reject or cancel registration if:

• Constitution violates democratic principles
• Party is engaged in unlawful activities
• Documents are fraudulent
• Name resembles existing parties to mislead voters