ECI reduces notice period for publication of party names due to COVID-19 protocol

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has relaxed the notice period of publishing their names and soliciting objections, if any, for political parties seeking new registration from 30 days to seven days in view of the “prevailing restrictions on account of COVID-19”.

In a notification, the ECI said: “There was dislocation and delay in moving applications for registration, which in turn led to delay in registration as a political party. Therefore, after considering all aspects of the matter, the Commission has given a relaxation and has reduced the notice period from 30 days to 7 days for the parties who have published their public notice on or before 26.02.2021.” 

“For all parties, including of those parties which have already published the public notice in less than 7 days prior to 26.02.2021, objection, if any, can be submitted latest by 05.30 P.M on 02.03.2021 or by the end of the originally provided 30 days period, whichever is earlier,” it added.

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“This relaxation will remain in force till 19.03.2021 the last date of nomination for the General Election to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry,” the notice added.

As per existing guidelines, the applicant is asked to publish proposed name of party in two national daily newspapers and two local daily newspapers, on two days for submitting objections, if any, with regard to the proposed registration of the party before the ECI within 30 days from such publication.  Notice so published is also displayed on the website of the commission.

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Registration of political parties is governed by the provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. A party seeking registration under the said section with the ECI has to submit an application within a period of 30 days following the date of its formation as per guidelines prescribed by the ECI under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. 

The ECI had announced the elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry on February 26.