Election Commission of India Increased the Minimum Vote Limit from 6 to 8 Percent

The Election Commission of India raised the cap of minimum votes a political party must secure in election to get the status of a State party or maintain it further. The new minimum limit is 8 per cent of total valid votes polled in State Assembly or Lok Sabha polls. Earlier, the limit was 6 per cent. In addition, the party must have returned at least two members to the Legislative Assembly in case of Assembly polls or at least one member in Parliament from the State in case of Lok Sabha elections.

To make these changes, the Commission amended its Election Symbols reservations and allotment order 1968 and issued a new order on 16 September 2011, the Election Symbol reservations and allotment amendment order 2011.  The amended order was sent to all States and Union Territories.