Islamabad: Though schedule for the next general polls yet to be announced, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has asked political parties to submit applications for general election symbols.
The top election body invited applications for the forthcoming general elections 2023 of Punjab, Sindh, KPK and Balochistan. "File applications for allocation of symbols according to requirements of Section 216 of the Elections Act, 2017," stated the ECP inviting applications from registered political parties.
The commission directed that the applications should be duly signed by the respective Party Head, and reach the Election Commission, Secretariat Islamabad, on or before July 19 2023.
The political parties are advised to file applications for allocation of symbols according to requirements of Section 216 of the Elections Act, 2017. The applications should contain the following information:
a) The list of symbols applied for in order of preference
b) Symbol or symbols if any allocated to the political party during the previous general elections
c) Every such application shall be signed by the Party Head, by whatever name designated
d) The address of the head office of the political party
On receipt of applications from the Political Parties, eligibility of each party will be ascertained in the light of Section 215 of the Election Act, 2017 which is reproduced hereunder:
“215. Eligibility of party to obtain election symbol.— (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, a political party enlisted under this Act shall be eligible to obtain an election symbol for contesting elections for Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), Provincial Assemblies or local government on submission of certificates and statements referred to in sections 202, 206, 209 and 210.
It was also mentioned that those political parties which submitted applications for allotment of symbols for Punjab and KPK Assemblies General Elections in February and March 2023 will need to apply afresh. Any and all incomplete applications or requests through fax will not be entertained.