ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has stated that the elections in certain constituencies might face delays if the court permits a change in electoral symbols.
A meeting led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja was convened to discuss the potential alteration of election symbols in anticipation of the 2024 elections.
During the meeting, updates on the progress of ballot paper publication were provided, and the court decisions regarding requests for changes in electoral symbols were examined. The ECP has reportedly directed District Returning Officers (DROs) nationwide to issue orders preventing candidates from altering their electoral symbols.
In a recent development, candidates from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party challenged the election symbols assigned to them in the Peshawar High Court (PHC). PTI candidates Kamran Bangish, Asif Khan, Aftab Alam, and Shafiullah filed petitions in the high court.
Kamran Bangish, for instance, was assigned the symbol 'violin,' while his opponent received 'Baja' (mouth organ), and the plea argued that this similarity could confuse voters.
Similarly, the petition highlighted that Asif Khan, contesting from NA-32, was allocated the symbol of a hand-cart. Another candidate in the same constituency named Asif Khan was also assigned the same election symbol of a handcart, leading to potential voter confusion.
The petitioners emphasized that traditionally, a candidate's opinion was considered before assigning an election symbol. The Election Commission, District Returning Officers, and Returning Officers have been named as parties in this legal case.
