ALLOTMENT OF POLITICAL SYMBOLS

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Context: The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) is denied a common symbol by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Tamil Nadu due to the criteria outlined in the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968.

Details

• The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) was denied a common symbol by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Tamil Nadu because it failed to secure 1% of vote polled in the 2021 State Legislative Assembly elections, as required under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.

Criteria for Party Recognition

• The ECI recognizes political parties as national or state parties based on specific criteria related to electoral performance.
• State-level recognition criteria include winning a certain number of seats in the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly or securing a minimum percentage of votes in general elections.

Allotment of Symbols to Unrecognised Parties

• Unrecognised parties, which are registered but do not meet the criteria for recognition, can be allotted a common symbol during elections under certain conditions outlined in the Election Symbols Order.

Rule 10B of the Symbols Order

• Rule 10B of the Symbols Order provides guidelines for the allotment of symbols to registered unrecognised parties:
  • A registered unrecognised party can avail of a common symbol concession for two general elections.
  • For subsequent elections, the party must have secured at least 1% of the votes polled in the state during the previous election when it used this facility.
  • The application for a common symbol must be made within a specified timeframe before the election.

Specific Issue with VCK ●The VCK, despite having elected representatives in the Lok Sabha and State Assembly, was denied a common symbol likely because it did not meet the requirement of securing at least 1% of the votes polled in the 2021 State Legislative Assembly elections. ● Even though the VCK had elected representatives, the specific criterion of vote share was not met, leading to the denial of a common symbol.

Potential Amendments and Way Forward

• Suggestions have been made to amend the rules to provide more flexibility and fairness in the allotment of symbols to registered unrecognised parties.

Proposed amendments could include:

• Allowing parties that have elected representatives or meet a certain vote share threshold to be eligible for a common symbol.
• Providing recognition based on electoral performance over multiple elections rather than strict criteria tied to a single election.
• Ensuring that the process of allotting common symbols is transparent and equitable, taking into account the democratic representation and electoral participation of all registered parties.

Conclusion

• The denial of a common symbol to the VCK reflects the complexities and challenges in the electoral system regarding the recognition and representation of political parties. Addressing such issues requires a balance between maintaining electoral standards and providing opportunities for smaller or emerging parties to participate effectively in the democratic process. Amendments to the existing rules could help ensure a fair and inclusive electoral framework that promotes democratic values and representation for all political parties, including those that may not meet traditional recognition criteria but have significant electoral support and representation.

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Source:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The influence of money and corporate funding in Indian elections has raised concerns about a weakening of democratic ideals.  How can India address the issue of political financing while ensuring a level playing field for all parties?  Discuss potential reforms and their effectiveness.