- An election symbol is a visual mark allotted to a political party or candidate and displayed on the EVM and ballot paper. It helps voters, especially those with limited literacy, identify their preferred candidate easily.
Legal Basis
- Governed by the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
- Issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI)
- Operates under the Representation of the People Act, 1951
Types of Election Symbols
- Reserved Symbols
- Reserved exclusively for recognized political parties.
- Cannot be used by other parties or independent candidates
- Free Symbols
- Available for registered unrecognized parties and independent candidates.
- Allotted by the Election Commission for a particular election.
Process of Symbol Allocation
- Recognition/Registration: Political party is recognized as a National Party, State Party, or Registered Unrecognized Party.
- Claim for Symbol: Party or candidate submits a request for symbol allotment.
- Availability Check: ECI verifies whether the requested symbol is reserved or free.
- Allotment: Symbol is allotted according to ECI rules and party status.
- Publication: List of allotted symbols is officially published.
- Finalization: Symbol remains allotted to the candidate/party for that election.
Priority in Allotment
- Recognized National Parties: Get their reserved symbols across India.
- Recognized State Parties: Get reserved symbols within their respective states.
- Registered Unrecognized Parties: Allotted free symbols.
- Independent Candidates: Allotted remaining free symbols.
Symbols Not Allowed
- National Flag
- State Emblems
- Ashoka Chakra
- Religious symbols
- Symbols promoting hatred or enmity
- Symbols affecting public order or morality
- Registered trademarks and prohibited designs
Source: The Indian Express