Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?

Representation of People Act, (1951) Under institutionalised framework for regulation of election, procedures, protocols, manpower and various other parameters associated with elections. Procedure for registration of ECI: (1) ECI has the power to register political parties. (2) Political party having common ideology, group of people, manifesto, party structure can approach ECI for registration. (3) Filing form under PFA, 1951, part verification by citizen officials and collecting documents parties are registered. (4) Parties get symbol based on vote base and election outcome, ECI choose among group of symbols.

Registered unrecognised political parties are newly officially registered parties but not having significant vote base and electoral outcomes, and their symbol is also allocated by ECI. The rationale behind their creation was to create level playing field for participation in election are giving opportunity to everyone to contest. Due to associated with them: (1) Legitimised unrecognised duties are created to gain acceptance to political freedom, and privileges given to political parties. (2) They are not driven by national interest rather personal aims and selfishness. (3) They create burden on electoral and

delivery for their registration, documentation, verification and cost exorcised. ECI does not have the power to de-register a political party. By time are various committees and law commission raised concerns to give power to ECI to deregister party. It will cite electoral malpractices as well as these misruling of newer parties. Reforms in RPA, 1951, as well as ECI are needed to ensure free and fair election (basic structure Indira Gandhi vs Raj Narain case).