To register a political party in India, submit an application to the Election Commission of India (ECI) within 30 days of the party's formation. The application requires a non-refundable ₹10,000 processing fee, a copy of the party's constitution, an affidavit from 100 member electors, and a public notice of the party's formation.
Step 1: Draft the Party Constitution
The party must have a written constitution or set of rules and regulations.It must explicitly state the party's allegiance to the Constitution of India, principles of socialism, secularism, and democracy, and mandate internal elections and organizational democracy.
Step 2: Publish a Public Notice
Within 30 days of the party's formation, publish the proposed name of the political party in two national daily newspapers and two local daily newspapers.This gives the public and other parties a 30-day window to raise any objections to the proposed name.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents and Affidavits
Memorandum/Rules: Printed copies of the party’s constitution/rules and regulations.100 Member Affidavits: Individual affidavits from at least 100 party members who are registered voters, confirming they are not members of any other ECI-registered party. These must be on stamp paper and notarized.Voter Details: Certified extracts of electoral rolls or Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) for those 100 members.Presidential Affidavit: An affidavit signed by the party President or General Secretary, sworn before a First Class Magistrate, Notary, or Oath Commissioner.Financials: Details of the party’s bank account and PAN, if established.
Step 4: Pay the Processing Fee
Obtain a Demand Draft (DD) for ₹10,000 drawn in favor of the Under Secretary, Election Commission of India, payable at New Delhi.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Type the formal application on the party's official letterhead.Send it by registered post or deliver it in person to the Secretary, Election Commission of India, Nirvachan Sadan, Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001.
Step 6: Follow Up with the ECI
The Commission will review all documents, check for constitutional compliance, and verify the submitted names/affidavits before officially registering the entity as a political party under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.