ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a directive to political parties, requesting them to submit their applications for the allotment of election symbols in preparation for the upcoming general elections.
The electoral watchdog set a deadline of July 19 for parties to submit their applications, along with the signature of the party leader. The ECP also emphasized the inclusion of a list of prioritized symbols in the applications, stressing the importance of the party leader’s signature.
One of the requirements outlined by the ECP is the inclusion of the address of the political party’s head office in each application. The commission has explicitly stated that applications for symbols filed prior to the current date will not be accepted, and any submissions that are incomplete or sent via fax will be disregarded.
ECP Not to Entertain Applications Received After July 19
It is worth noting that the ECP has specified that any applications received after July 19 will not be considered. Moreover, the submission of an affidavit, in accordance with Section 206 of the Election Act 2017, is mandatory along with the applications.
In a separate development, the ECP recently compiled lists for the appointment of returning officers in preparation for the general elections. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja chaired a meeting where matters related to election preparations were discussed. The meeting was attended by the four provincial election commissioners and the ECP secretary.
As the process of gearing up for the general elections progresses, political parties will need to comply with the ECP’s directives and submit their applications for party symbols within the specified timeframe. The allotment of symbols plays a crucial role in distinguishing and identifying political parties during the election process.
