The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has raised concerns about potential voter confusion, urging the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to remove several symbols from the list that closely resemble their own.
In a letter addressed to the commission, the PPP argues that symbols like pencils, ballpoint pens, pens, screwdrivers, and toothbrushes could mislead their voters in upcoming elections.
The party argues that the visual similarities between these symbols and their own designated arrow could lead to accidental misvotes.
Voters, particularly in rural areas with lower literacy rates, might mistakenly cast their ballots based on superficial resemblance instead of consciously choosing the PPP’s intended symbol.
This concern stems from a past precedent. In the 2018 elections, the High Court ruled in favour of removing the “batsman” symbol from the list due to its resemblance to an actual bat, highlighting the potential for confusion.
Drawing upon this historical precedent, the PPP emphasizes the need to eliminate the current set of potentially misleading symbols. The party’s letter urges the ECP to consider the potential for voter confusion and take necessary steps to ensure fair and accurate representation in future elections.
