New Delhi, August 9(HS): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a significant step towards ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process by cancelling the registration of 334 unrecognized political parties. According to the ECI, this action is part of its ongoing and comprehensive strategy to keep the electoral system clean.

After this move, India now has 6 national parties, 67 state-level parties, and 2,520 registered unrecognized political parties remaining.

Under the rules, registered political parties must contest at least one election within six years and update the Commission on any changes in their details.

In June, the ECI had directed Chief Electoral Officers to investigate 345 such parties for violations of conditions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Based on the findings, 334 of these parties were found non-compliant and their registrations were cancelled. The remaining cases are under re-verification.

This step is seen as important in strengthening the credibility and regulation of India’s election process.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar