J&K Assembly Election Preparations: EC Accepts Applications for Common Symbols

Image for: J&K Assembly Election Preparations: EC Accepts Applications for Common Symbols

📷 Image Credits: The Indian Express

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced the preparations for the forthcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. In a recent announcement, the EC has decided to accept applications from political parties for the allotment of common symbols for their candidates. This move comes under Para 10B of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968 in anticipation of the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

The process of accepting applications seeking the allotment of common symbols marks the initial step taken by the Election Commission. As per the provisions, registered, unrecognised parties can now apply for common symbols. However, for recognised national and state parties, the common symbols are already reserved, and no other party can apply for their use.

Typically, the application process for common symbols begins six months before the conclusion of an Assembly’s term. Given the unique situation in Jammu & Kashmir, where the Assembly has been dissolved since 2018, the EC has initiated the process well in advance. The decision to start accepting applications is significant in light of the upcoming Assembly elections in the Union Territory.

The Supreme Court’s directive in 2023 set the timeline for conducting the J&K Assembly elections by September 2024, post the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of the state into two Union Territories. The upcoming Assembly elections will be historic as they will be the first for the newly formed Union Territory of J&K.

Furthermore, a Delimitation Commission was established in 2020 to redefine the boundaries of the Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. The delimitation order issued in 2022 allocated seats for a 90-member Assembly, with 47 seats assigned to Kashmir and 43 to Jammu. The recent steps taken by the Election Commission underscore the democratic process gearing up in the region, with hopes of active participation by voters and candidates alike.

In conclusion, the initiation of the application process for common symbols by the Election Commission signifies a crucial milestone in the preparations for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. With the democratic fervor rising and the electoral machinery in motion, all eyes are on the upcoming polls to witness the democratic spirit unfold in the Union Territory of J&K.