Consider the following statements about the Election Commission of In...
In August 2016, the ECI had brought changes in Paragraph 6C of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968 to review the status of political parties every 10 years, instead of the present norm of five years.
- For instance, the status of a party (either national or state party) that did not perform up to the required criteria in the 2014 election will be reviewed in 2024.
Learning: Recognition as a national or a State party ensures that the election symbol of that party is not used by any other political entity in polls across India.
- Other registered but unrecognised political parties have to choose from a pool of ‘free symbols’ announced by the commission from time to time.
- Besides, these parties get land or buildings from the government to set up their party offices. They can have up to 40 ‘star campaigners’ during electioneering. Others can have up to 20 ‘star campaigners’.
Consider the following statements about the Election Commission of In...
The correct answer is option 'C' - Both 1 and 2.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for the conduct of elections in India. It plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. Let's examine each statement in detail:
1. The ECI is the only authority that can grant National Party or State Party status to a political party in India:
The ECI has the authority to recognize political parties at the national and state levels. The criteria for granting National Party or State Party status are based on the party's performance in elections and its representation in legislative bodies. The ECI sets certain benchmarks, such as the party's vote share or the number of seats won, to determine their eligibility for recognition. Parties recognized as national or state parties enjoy certain privileges, such as reserved symbols, access to electoral rolls, and financial assistance for election campaigns.
2. Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order is issued by the ECI and can be modified by it:
The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order is a crucial document issued by the ECI. It specifies the various symbols that political parties can choose from during elections. The order ensures that different parties do not use similar or identical symbols, which could confuse voters. It also reserves certain symbols exclusively for national parties, while others are reserved for state parties. The ECI has the authority to modify the order from time to time to accommodate new symbols or make changes based on the recognition or derecognition of parties.
In conclusion, both statements are correct. The ECI is the sole authority to grant National Party or State Party status to political parties in India, and it also issues the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, which can be modified by the ECI. These powers are crucial in maintaining the fairness and transparency of the electoral process in India.