Criteria for becoming national party
According to the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, a political party can be recognized as a national party if it satisfies any of the following three conditions:
- If the party wins at least 2% of seats in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) from at least three different states in a general election.
- If the party secures at least 6% of the total valid votes polled in any four or more states, at a general election to the Lok Sabha or to the Legislative Assembly.
- If the party is recognized as a state party in at least four states.
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What are the advantages of being a national party in India?
- The right to use a reserved party symbol for all elections held throughout the country. This symbol is unique to the party and cannot be used by anyone else.
- The ability to field candidates in any state and participate in elections across the country, which can help the party expand its support base.
- The privilege of engaging up to 40 star campaigners for election campaigning, which is twice the number allowed for a registered unrecognised party. The expenses of star campaigners are not counted towards the party’s overall election campaign expenses.
- The allocation of land by the government for building the party headquarters.
- The advantage of having only one proposer required for submitting a nomination, compared to two proposers for other parties. Additionally, during roll revision, national parties are provided with two free sets of electoral rolls, and one free electoral roll for each candidate during general elections.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Election Commission of India Formed: 25 January 1950;
- Election Commission of India Headquarters: New Delhi;
- Chief Election Commissioner of India: Rajiv Kumar.
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