ECP allocates 'lantern' symbol to ANP

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday allocated the Awami National Party (ANP) its traditional symbol, the lantern, for the upcoming general elections.

Simultaneously, a fine was imposed, and the ECP mandated intra-party elections to be conducted within the next four months.

Responding to the ANP's plea in the intra-party election case, the ECP opted to grant the lantern symbol to the ANP, citing the finalised general election schedule.

The ANP had been instructed to hold intra-party elections by May 10.

It's noteworthy that, as of now, the ANP has not conducted the required intra-party elections, prompting the Election Commission to issue a notice to its chief Asfandyar Wali.

Seeking additional time from the ECP, the ANP had requested further leniency.

Read: SC deals final blow to PTI’s ‘bat’ hopes

It is important to note that the ECP has yet to assign an electoral symbol to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), grappling with unresolved issues related to intra-party elections.

Unlike the ANP, the PTI did not receive the opportunity to retain its symbol when it was withdrawn.

On Dec 22, the ECP ruled against allowing the PTI to retain its electoral symbol for the general elections, citing the party's failure to conduct intra-party polls in accordance with its constitution and election laws.

Further, 13 other political parties have been delisted for failing to conduct the mandated intra-party elections.

Sections 208, 209, and 210 of the Elections Act, 2017 have been invoked in response to the non-compliance of political parties with the intra-party election requirements.