|
Election Commission Allots Poll Symbols Under Election Symbols Order, 1968
The Election Commission allots election symbols to parties and independent candidates under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. In this context, a hypothetical request for a “cockroach” symbol is in focus because the EC currently stops allotting animals as election symbols.
Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Legal provision | The Election Commission allots election symbols to parties and independent candidates as per the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. |
| Recognised national and state parties | The candidates are allotted the reserved symbol of their respective parties. |
| Examples of reserved symbols | BJP is associated with the lotus symbol, and Congress is associated with the raised hand symbol. |
| Unrecognised parties | The EC allots symbols to unrecognised parties from a list of “free symbols”. |
| Independent candidates and unrecognised parties | Independent candidates and unrecognised parties can request a choice of symbol from the free-symbol list, but they are not assured of getting the same. |
| Free-symbol list revision | The EC revises the list of free symbols from time to time. |
| Allowed symbols in free-symbol list (examples) | The free-symbol list includes images such as fruits and vegetables (jackfruit, grapes, and many others), household appliances (air-conditioner, immersion rod, latch, mixer, toothbrush, and TV remote), everyday items (balloon, doorbell, dustbin, frying pan, and toothbrush), food items (cake, toffees, and other edible symbols), and farm and sports equipment. |
| Exception for certain symbols across states and Union Territories | The EC list states that certain symbols can be allotted freely except in certain states and Union Territories. |
| Apple symbol exception | The apple symbol can be allotted freely across India except in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, where it is already taken by a recognised party. |
| Same symbol used by different recognised parties | Different recognised parties in different states can use the same symbol since there is no rule against it, and they usually do not compete. |
| Rule on allotting animals as election symbols | Following representations from animal welfare activists in the 1990s, the EC stops allotting animals as election symbols. |
| Evidence cited for animal symbol concerns | Maneka Gandhi recalls that during the 1989 TN election, roosters used as symbols are mistreated and many die. |
| Exception: Bahujan Samaj Party symbol | Bahujan Samaj Party is formed prior to the ban and still retains its election symbol, the elephant, as one of the few exceptions. |
| Implication for cockroach symbol | With the current EC rules against allotting animals, a cockroach as an election symbol is not allowed. |