Question

State the norms that are set by the Election Commission to get recognition as a national party.

Answer 1

According to the Election Commission of India, a political party must fulfil at least one of the following three conditions to be recognised as a national party:

1. Vote Percentage and Seats:
   • The party must secure at least 6% of valid votes in Lok Sabha or Assembly elections in four or more states.
   • Additionally, the party must win at least 4 seats in the Lok Sabha.
2. Lok Sabha Seat Winning Criteria:
   • The party must have won at least 2% of the total Lok Sabha seats (i.e., 11 seats).
   • These seats must be from at least three different states.
3. Recognition as a State Party: The party must be recognised as a State Party in at least four states.

A national party gets a common election symbol across India, free broadcast time on public media, and equal recognition in multiple states.