JOIN USElection FAQ: How you can contest polls in India
India is a democracy, where the people vote for their leaders with the expectation that the leader will make their lives easier and foster development. Oftentimes, that expectation is betrayed, and for some, that can be a catalyst to take things into their own hands.
This guide helps those who are curious about the process of getting into politics and how they can contest polls - because every Indian has the right to take part in development, as a voter and as a politician. So, here we go:
What is the minimum age for becoming a candidate for Lok Sabha or Assembly election?
Twenty-Five Years. Article 84 (b) of Constitution says that the minimum age for becoming a candidate for Lok Sabha election shall be 25 years. A similar provision exists for a candidate to the Legislative Assemblies.
Can a non-citizen be a candidate?
No. A non-citizen cannot be a contesting candidate in the elections. Article 84 (a) of the Constitution says that a person shall not be chosen to fill a seat in the Parliament unless they are a citizen of India. A similar provision exists for State Legislative Assemblies.
Can someone who is not registered as a voter contest?
No. For contesting an election as a candidate a person must be registered as a voter. Sec 4 (d) of Representation People Act, 1951 forbids a person from contesting unless they are an elector in any parliamentary constituency. Section 5 (c) of R. P. Act, 1951 has a similar provision for Assembly Constituencies.
If somebody is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment, can they contest elections?
No. The R. P. Act, 1951, states that if a person is convicted of any offence and sentenced to an imprisonment of 2 years or more, they will stand disqualified from contesting elections. The provision stands even if a person is on bail after the conviction and an appeal is pending for disposal.
How much is the security deposit for Lok Sabha election?
As per Section 34 1 (a) of R. P. Act, 1951, every candidate is required to make a security deposit of Rs 25,000 for Lok Sabha elections. Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe are required to make a security deposit of Rs 12,500.
How much is the security deposit for an Assembly election?
As per Sec. 34 (1) (b) of the R. P. Act 1951, a general candidate for contesting an Assembly election will have to make a security deposit of Rs 10,000. Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe will have to make a security deposit of Rs 5,000.
How many proposers does a candidate require for nomination?
If the candidate is a member of a recognised national or state party, they require only one elector of the constituency as proposer. Independent candidates or candidates of an unrecognised political party require ten electors from the constituency as proposers.
Which candidates lose the deposit?
A defeated candidate who fails to secure more than one-sixth of the valid votes polled in the constituency will lose their security deposit.
Source: ECI website