Context: The Election Commission of India has brought in new rules for allocation of symbols to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs). 

New Rules for Allocation of Symbols to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties 

• As per new rules, audited accounts of the last three financial years, expenditure statements of last two elections, and the signature of the authorized office-bearer of the party are needed  for allocation of symbols.
• Symbol: After furnishing these details, the Registered Unrecognised Political Parties will be eligible for ‘concession of common symbol allotment’.
  • The symbol is allotted as per the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968
• Applicability: The new rules would come into effect from January 11,  2024.

What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties?

• Definition: Registered Unrecognised Political Parties 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.
  • In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, only 30% of RUPPs contested.Such parties don’t enjoy all the benefits extended to the recognised parties.
• Registration of the Political Parties are governed under Representation of the People Act (RPA) of 1951.

Requirement For Allocation Of Symbols

• 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”.

News Source: The Hindu