1. Is registration with the Election Commission mandatory?
Only associations calling themselves political parties and seeking benefits under Part-IV-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, need to register.
2. Benefits of registration
- Priority in allotment of free election symbols
- Eligibility for recognition as State or National Party
- Reserved symbols for candidates
- Fewer proposers needed for nominations
- Access to free electoral rolls and broadcast facilities
3. How to register a party
- Submit an application to the Secretary, ECI, in the prescribed format
- Include a demand draft of ₹10,000 as processing fee
- Provide a copy of party constitution with required clauses
- Attach affidavits from at least 100 members confirming they are registered voters and not members of other parties
- Submit bank account details, PAN, and completed checklist
4. Criteria for recognition
- State Party: Active for 5 years + specific election performance in state assembly or Lok Sabha, or ≥6% of valid votes polled
- National Party: Recognized in 4 or more states
- Recognition is valid as long as conditions continue to be met
5. Key provisions for party constitution
- Faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India
- Principles of socialism, secularism, democracy
- Procedures for internal elections, office bearer terms, merger/dissolution
6. Timeline for registration submission
Applications must reach ECI within 30 days of party formation.
7. What is IEMS?
IEMS is a web-based software developed by the Election Commission of India to assist political parties in filing compliance reports online, including Annual Audited Accounts, Contribution Reports, and Part/Full Election Expenditure Statements.
8. Why use IEMS?
It simplifies compliance, provides auto-populated information, allows digital signatures, and offers anywhere-anytime access.
9. How to file reports online via IEMS?
- Go to http://iems.eci.gov.in
- Register with the mobile number and email of the authorized signatory
- Login and verify via OTP
- Click “File New Report” and complete required details
- Sign the report using Aadhaar-linked OTP and submit
- Receive acknowledgement via email and SMS
10. Is online filing compulsory?
No, manual filing is allowed, but online filing is preferred.
11. Do I need to submit a hard copy after online filing?
No, online submission is considered valid and compliant.
12. Advantages of IEMS
- No hard copy required
- Auto-population and CSV upload
- Digital signatures for security
- Easy revisions and edits
- Instant acknowledgement
- Regular reminders and updates
13. Who can operate IEMS for a party?
Authorized signatories under Section 29C of RPA-1951. Access may be suspended in case of internal disputes.
14. Can reports be revised?
Yes, click “Revised Report” to submit updated reports.
15. How to update party information?
Requests must be submitted in writing to the ECI Political Party Division; parties cannot self-update.
16. What happens if reports are filed late?
Late filing is allowed, but legal consequences may apply as per ECI guidelines.
17. Are both recognized and unrecognized parties allowed?
Yes, all registered parties can use IEMS.
18. From which financial year is IEMS applicable?
From FY 2023-24 onwards.
19. Is UDIN required for auditors?
Yes, UDIN remains mandatory even in online reporting.
