The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has denied Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) its traditional election symbol, the “bat,” ahead of the December 2024 general elections. The decision comes after the commission reviewed internal party elections and compliance with electoral regulations, ultimately ruling that PTI did not meet the required procedural standards.
According to the ECP, the party’s internal polls were found to be invalid, making it ineligible to contest the upcoming elections under its registered symbol. As a result, PTI candidates will now have to run as independents and will be assigned separate symbols in their respective constituencies.
PTI leadership has strongly condemned the decision, describing it as politically motivated and unjust. Party officials announced their intention to challenge the ruling in court, asserting that all legal and procedural requirements had been fulfilled.
Political analysts suggest that the denial of the symbol could significantly affect PTI’s campaign strategy, voter recognition, and seat coordination, particularly in key constituencies. The ruling has sparked debates across media and social platforms, reflecting the high stakes involved for one of Pakistan’s major political parties.
The ECP maintains that its decision is based solely on legal grounds and insists it is committed to ensuring a transparent and orderly electoral process ahead of the December 2024 elections.
