(a) whether measures are being taken to derecognize those political parties which have been non-functional and suspected of being involved in money laundering; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
(a) whether measures are being taken to derecognize those political parties which have been non-functional and suspected of being involved in money laundering; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI P.P.CHAUDHARY)
(a) and (b): The Election Commission has informed that the de-recognition of a political party is governed by the provisions of Paragraphs 6C and 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. While Paragraph 6C relates to de-recognition based on poll performance, Paragraph 16A provides for withdrawal of recognition on the ground of refusal or failure to abide by the provisions of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) or lawful directions given by the Commission in connection with elections. However, there is no provision for de-recognition on the ground of money laundering.
However, the Election Commission has further informed that the Commission had recently conducted verification to review the existence of the unrecognized political parties registered with the Commission that had not contested any Assembly or Parliamentary election or any bye election during the last ten years. On the basis of the reports of the Chief Electoral Officers of the State concerned, the Commission has delisted 255 political parties during the period from February to December, 2016.
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