2. Specifications of Election Symbols

• Symbols are allocated to political parties and contesting candidates according to the provisions of the Symbols Order by the ECI. In a democracy where a significant portion of the population is illiterate, symbols play a vital role in the voting process. A recognized political party is assigned a reserved symbol that is not allotted to any other candidate in any constituency.
• For registered but unrecognised political parties, one of the free symbols is allotted as a common symbol during an election if that party contests in two Lok Sabha constituencies or in 5% of seats in the Assembly of a State, as applicable.

3. Allocation of Common Symbols

According to Rule 10B of the Symbols Order, a concession of a common free symbol is granted to a 'registered unrecognised party' for two general elections. To be eligible for a common symbol in subsequent elections, the party must have secured at least 1% of votes polled in the State during the previous election when availing of this facility. The party must apply for a symbol within six months before the expiry of the Lok Sabha or State Assembly term and symbols are allotted on a 'first-come-first-served' basis.

• Case of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) Despite securing more than 1% of votes in the last two elections with the common symbol 'Ganna Kisan', the NTK applied for the symbol only in February 2024. The Election Commission of India (ECI) allotted the symbol to the Bharatiya Praja Aikyata Party (BPAP), which had applied earlier based on the 'first-come-first-served' rule. Notably, the BPAP has not contested elections in Tamil Nadu previously.
• The case of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) was denied the allotment of a common symbol because it failed to secure 1% of votes polled in the 2021 elections to the State Legislative Assembly. Despite having one Lok Sabha MP and four MLAs in Tamil Nadu contesting on the 'Pot' symbol in the 2019 and 2021 elections, the VCK's application for a common symbol was declined.

4. Addressing Symbol Allocation Issues

The Election Commission of India (ECI) should conduct a comprehensive review of the existing rules governing symbol allocation to ensure fairness and transparency in the process.

• Consideration of Electoral Performance: The ECI should consider amending the rules to give due weightage to the electoral performance of registered unrecognised parties. Parties that secure at least 1% of votes polled in a previous election or have elected representatives in the Lok Sabha or State Assembly should be eligible for the allocation of a common symbol of their choice.
• Ensuring Voter Understanding: To enhance voter understanding and trust in the electoral process, the ECI should ensure that decisions regarding symbol allocation are made in a manner that is easily comprehensible to the average voter. The current scenario, where parties with significant voter support are denied their preferred symbols, can be perplexing and may undermine confidence in the electoral system.
• Fair Representation: Amending the rules to allow registered unrecognised parties with a certain threshold of electoral support or elected representatives to choose a common symbol would promote fair representation in the democratic process. This would ensure that parties with genuine voter support are not disadvantaged due to procedural constraints.
• Strengthening Democratic Processes: By revising the rules to account for past electoral performance and representation, the ECI can contribute to strengthening democratic processes and fostering inclusivity in the political landscape. Fair and transparent symbol allocation mechanisms are essential for upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring equal opportunities for all political parties.