ECP prevents changing election symbols

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Tuesday issued instructions to avoid changes in election symbols of candidates contesting upcoming elections.

According to the details, the Election Commission has directed the Provincial Election Commissioners, District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) to avoid changing the election symbol.

The Election Commission has asked the Provincial Election Commissioner, DROs and ROs that if it is important to change the election symbol, it is compulsory to take permission from the Commission.

The printing of ballot papers has already started so the change of election symbol may not be possible, added the ECP.

It is important to note that the Election Commission has set the date of general elections to be held on February 8 across the country, for which election symbols have been allotted to political parties.

ECP allotted election symbols to the PTI leaders as independent candidates in which Shoaib Shaheen was allotted shoe symbol, however it was later changed to a dove symbol.

Yesterday, the leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) said that at least seven candidates of the party were not allotted the arrow symbol due to which they will be considered as independent candidates.