Video Explainer: How election symbols are allotted

Within Pakistan's democratic process, the allocation of election symbols is critical for defining political identity, fostering awareness among voters about their candidates, and ultimately influencing electoral outcomes.

Let's explore the intricacies of how these symbols are assigned, unveiling the subtleties that define this crucial aspect of the country's electoral process.

Beyond being mere visual representations, these symbols wield the power to forge public perception and determine electoral consequences.

Pakistan's 2024 general election, set for February 8, is poised to be one of the most consequential in the country's history.

While some new voters will be using their democratic rights, others who have already done so will get another chance to stamp the symbol of their party or candidate.

Now, this is something that several people don’t know: how does the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) allot symbols to political parties and independent candidates?

Well, every registered political party can apply for an electoral symbol by giving an application to the election commission.

A political party shall have the right to claim the allocation of the same symbol as allocated to it in any previous election.

However, if a symbol was allotted to an alliance of different political parties in the previous election and two or more component political parties apply for the same symbol for the next election, the allocation of that symbol to any one political party shall be decided by drawing lots.

Independent candidates can also apply for allotment of election symbols from the list published by the election commission that are not already assigned to a political party.

If two independent candidates apply for the same symbol, then the priority would be given to the candidate who has previously contested elections.

If both candidates applying for the same symbol are fresh, the symbol would be decided by drawing lots.

Having walked through how election symbols are awarded to candidates and political parties in Pakistan, it is quite easy to understand that these simple symbols have great significance.