The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), an Indian non-governmental organization established in 1999 and based in New Delhi, recently reported that the number of registered unrecognized political parties has seen a two-fold increase from 2010 to 2019.
Definition: Registered Unrecognized Political Parties
Registered unrecognized political parties can be classified into several categories. They can be newly registered parties or parties that have not managed to secure enough votes in either assembly or general elections to gain recognition as a state party. Additionally, those parties which have never contested in elections since their inception are also considered unrecognized. Such parties do not enjoy all the benefits extended to recognized parties.
Recognized Political Party Criteria
A political party can be categorized as recognized at either a national or state level if it meets certain criteria. To become a recognized political party, a provider must secure a minimum percentage of polled valid votes or a specific number of seats in the state legislative assembly or the Lok Sabha during the last election. The Election Commission determines the recognition status of parties, which then allows them access to certain benefits such as party symbol allocation, time allocation for political broadcasts on state-owned television and radio stations, and access to electoral rolls.
Election Commission’s Guidelines for Unrecognized Political Parties
In October 2014, the Election Commission of India issued guidelines on ‘Transparency and Accountability in party funds and election expenditure – submission of reports by unrecognised political parties.’ These guidelines stipulate that all unrecognized parties must submit requisite reports to the offices of the respective state Chief Election Officers (CEOs). These reports include annual audited accounts, contribution reports, and statements of election expenditure, which are expected to be publically available on the CEOs’ websites within three days of receipt.
Increased Number of Unrecognized Political Parties
Currently, there are 2,360 political parties registered with the Election Commission of India, 97.50% of which are unrecognised. From 2010 to 2019, the number of unrecognised parties increased from 1,112 to 2,301. However, in the Financial Year 2018-19, only 78 contribution reports (3.39%) were made publically available.
ADR’s Recommendations
In 2016, the ADR recommended that 255 parties be delisted from the registry of unrecognized parties since they had ceased to exist or function. The organization suggests that this effort should continue to eliminate all political parties that do not participate in any election for over five years and strengthen the registration process overall. The ADR further recommends that the Election Commission of India impose stricter norms for the registration of associations as political parties. The commission should also consider delisting any party that fails to comply with the rules. Finally, the ADR proposes that unrecognized parties, particularly those that declare receipt of voluntary contributions but do not contest in elections, should be subject to IT scrutiny.