EC De-Lists 474 More Unrecognised Political Parties

Why in the News ?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has de-listed 474 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) for non-compliance, mainly for not contesting elections in the last six years. With this, a total of 808 RUPPs have been removed in two months. This move is part of the EC’s efforts to implement transparency measures and improve beneficiary identification in the political landscape, similar to efforts in improving the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India.

Second Phase of De-Listing:

  • Fresh Action: On September 18, the ECI de-listed 474 RUPPs for failing to contest elections for six continuous years.
  • First Phase: Earlier, on August 9, the Commission had removed 334 such parties.
  • Total Removal: In the last two months, 808 RUPPs have been struck off the records.
  • Remaining Parties: Following this exercise, 2,046 RUPPs remain registered with the EC.
  • Objective: The move is part of ECI’s comprehensive strategy to clean the electoral system and ensure compliance, including improved supply chain management of political organizations, akin to the management of fair price shops in the PDS.

Electoral Integrity and Clean-up Measures

  • Transparency Push: De-listing ensures that only active and accountable political parties remain in the system, supporting the EC’s transparency measures, similar to how vigilance committees monitor the PDS.
  • Curbing Misuse: Many RUPPs are suspected of being used for financial irregularities rather than electoral participation, potentially involving leakage and diversion of funds, which could impact schemes like the Antyodaya Anna Yojana.
  • Compliance Enforcement: Parties are required to submit annual financial statements, expenditure reports, and contest elections regularly. This process may involve direct benefit transfer of legitimate funds to recognized parties, similar to how the central issue price is managed for subsidized food grains.
  • Strengthening Democracy: This move enhances the credibility of elections by weeding out non-serious entities and potential ghost beneficiaries in the political system, much like efforts to improve the efficiency of fair price shops.
  • Long-Term Reforms: The action aligns with broader reforms for electoral funding transparency and political accountability, including improved grievance redressal mechanisms for the public, which could extend to areas like doorstep delivery of services.

Key Insights : Political Parties and EC Regulations
● RUPPs (Registered Unrecognised Political Parties): These are parties registered with the EC but not recognised as State or National Parties under ECI rules.
  • Recognition Criteria: Recognition depends on vote share, number of seats, and state-wise/national presence in elections.
  • Section 29A, Representation of People Act, 1951: Governs registration of political parties with the Election Commission.
  • ECI’s Power: While the EC registers parties, it also monitors compliance with norms, including contesting elections and submission of audited accounts. This may involve biometric authentication for party representatives in the future, similar to systems used in PDS in India.
  • Significance: Removal of inactive parties curbs misuse for money laundering, tax evasion, and bogus donations under the electoral system, enhancing the overall food security system of democracy, which indirectly impacts issues like micronutrient deficiency.