ECI Delists Unregistered Political Parties

Summary of Electoral System Cleanup by ECI

• Objective: Continuous cleaning of the electoral system in India by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

• Legal Framework:

  • Political parties in India register under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
  • Registered political parties gain certain privileges such as symbols and tax exemptions.
  • Parties must contest elections at least every six years to remain registered.

• Delisting Actions:

  • First Phase: On August 9, 2025, ECI delisted 334 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that failed to contest elections for six years.
  • Second Phase: As of September 18, 2025, an additional 474 RUPPs were delisted, totaling 808 RUPPs delisted in the last two months.

• Criteria for Delisting:

  • RUPPs which have not contested a single election for six continuous years.
  • RUPPs failing to submit Annual Audited Accounts for the financial years 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24 and not filing Election Expenditure Reports.

• Further Actions:

  • 359 RUPPs have been identified for potential delisting. Show-cause notices will be issued by the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of respective States/UTs.
  • RUPPs will have the opportunity for a hearing before any final decision by the ECI.

• State-wise Delisting Data:

  • Second Phase (473 delisted):

    • Uttar Pradesh: 121
    • Maharashtra: 44
    • Delhi: 40
    • Other states also contributed to the total (e.g., Tamil Nadu 42, Bihar 15).

  • Third Phase (359 identified):

    • Uttar Pradesh: 127
    • Delhi: 41
    • Tamil Nadu: 39
    • Each of the identified states listed multiple RUPPs.

This cleanup initiative is part of ECI's broader mandate to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process across the nation. The methodical delisting of non-compliant political parties aims to streamline the political landscape and maintain electoral integrity.