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What Are The Rules For Contesting Lok Sabha Elections?

Contesting Lok Sabha elections in India involves adhering to specific eligibility criteria and regulations established by the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951. Here’s a detailed overview of the rules governing candidates:

Age Requirement

  • A candidate must be at least 25 years old to contest in the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
  • For the Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Council, the minimum age is 30 years.

Number of Constituencies

  • Under the RPA, a candidate can contest from a maximum of two constituencies at the same time. This provision was introduced by an amendment in 1996.
  • If a candidate is elected from both constituencies, they can only retain one seat. Consequently, a bye-election must be conducted for the seat that is vacated.

Voter Registration and Constituency Selection

  • To contest from a specific State Assembly constituency, a candidate must be a registered voter in that State.
  • For the Lok Sabha, any registered voter from India can contest from any constituency, provided they are registered as a voter there. Exceptions apply in Assam, Lakshadweep, and Sikkim.

Candidate Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet the following conditions:

  • Must be an Indian citizen.
  • Must be a registered voter in a constituency within the nation.
  • Must not have been convicted of a crime with a sentence exceeding two years.

Disqualifications

A candidate may be disqualified from contesting if they:

  • Hold any paid position under the Government of India or any State government.
  • Have been declared mentally incompetent by a court.
  • Are an undischarged insolvent.
  • Are not an Indian citizen or have voluntarily obtained citizenship in another country.
  • Have been convicted of any crime and sentenced to two years or more in prison. This disqualification remains in effect even during the appeal process.

Modifications by the Election Commission of India (ECI)

Over the years, the ECI has made various modifications to improve the candidate screening process and regulate election financing:

  • Political Financing Guidelines: The limit for monetary donations was reduced from ₹20,000 to ₹2,000.
  • Electoral Bond Scheme: In 2024, the Supreme Court revoked this scheme, which allowed for anonymous contributions.
  • Cash Transit Regulations: The ECI has prohibited the transit of cash in bank cars after sunset for the 2024 polls.
  • The Commission monitors the movement of cash, alcohol, and drugs during elections, as well as unscheduled chartered flights.

Conclusion

Contesting Lok Sabha elections involves navigating a structured framework of rules and regulations designed to ensure fair and transparent electoral practices. Candidates must fulfill specific eligibility criteria, be mindful of disqualifications, and adhere to financial guidelines established by the ECI. Understanding these rules is crucial for any prospective candidate aiming to participate in the democratic process in India.

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