PPP protests denial of ‘arrow’ symbol to candidates in Punjab

ISLAMABAD According to a Tuesday story in private news paper. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has expressed dissatisfaction over the party’s “arrow” electoral symbol not offered to ticket holders in different Punjabi constituencies.

The PPP’s election monitoring cell chief. Taj Haider. Wrote to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja to draw attention to the widespread practice. In Punjab of refusing PPP Parliamentarians ticket holders. The party’s election symbol and classifying them as independent candidates.

“Our serious concerns over such denials may kindly be noted,” he said in the letter.

Haider stated that the sole and final requirement for “seeking allotment of a prescribed symbol”. In accordance with Section 66 of the Elections Act 2017. And required “a declaration before the Returning Officer about his affiliation. With a particular political party, if any. Along with a certificate from the political party, showing that he is that party’s candidate from that constituency.”

“This Section of the Elections Act 2017 should followed in letter. And spirit as there is no room for interpretation,” he continued. “You would agree, sir. That the whole system of our constitutional democracy is built around the basic structure of political parties,” stated the election cell head.

“Accepted that citizens have the option of contesting elections as independent candidates. But we have repeatedly experienced. That the presence of independents in an elected house. Does open an unfortunate window for horse trading and exerting pressures on the elected independents,”. He said in the letter to the CEC.

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Haider said independent candidates are often elected by taking advantage of “parochial, racial, tribal, sectarian and provincial prejudices” fault lines among our citizens.

He said under Article 33 of the Constitution. The state must discourage such and similar prejudices. “Instead citizens should encouraged to vote on the performance. Policies and manifestos of political parties,” he added.

The senator said that pushing valid candidates. Who are affiliated to a party. And also submitted required documents. Before returning officers at the time of seeking a prescribed symbol. Outside the fold of that party and into the category of independents runs contrary to the provisions of Article 33 of Constitution. And the necessary and sufficient requirements of Section 66 of the Election Act 2017.

He asked the CEC to give general instructions to all ROs. And DROs regarding the allocation of prescribed symbols under Section 66 of the Elections Act 2017 to all candidates. Who have submitted a party certificate at the time of seeking a prescribed symbol. Attesting to their party affiliation.