ECI’s Norm for Common Symbol Applications: Respite To New Parties in J&K

Srinagar: In anticipation of the forthcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the Election Commission (EC) has taken a pivotal step by announcing the commencement of applications from political entities for the use of common symbols by their candidates.
ECI Spokesman declared its readiness to accept applications for the allocation of Common Symbols under Para 10B of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968, specifically tailored for the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, effective immediately. According to Para 10B, candidates from registered but unrecognised parties are eligible for the allocation of a common symbol. Conversely, for recognised national and state-level parties, the common symbols have already been reserved, precluding other parties from seeking their usage. Traditionally, the application process for common symbols commences around six months prior to the culmination of an Assembly’s term. However, with Jammu and Kashmir’s Assembly remaining dissolved since 2018, the Election Commission has chosen to initiate the process at this juncture.
Meanwhile a short-term special summary revision of the electoral roll would precede the Assembly elections, with the acceptance of applications for common symbols marking the initial step. Last year, the Supreme Court mandated the Election Commission to conduct the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections by September 30, affirming the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and the subsequent division of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had previously indicated that the EC would promptly commence the process for the Assembly elections.
Highlighting the robust democratic engagement in the region, the voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu & Kashmir recorded a notable 58.58%, the highest in 35 years. The Chief Election Commissioner, after the completion of polling in the Union Territory’s five Lok Sabha seats on May 27, underscored a substantial 23% increase in the number of candidates compared to 2019, signaling active participation and fostering optimism for the impending Assembly elections.
In the wake of the state’s bifurcation into two Union Territories in 2019 — J&K with an Assembly and Ladakh without one — a Delimitation Commission was instituted in 2020 to redefine the boundaries of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies. The delimitation order, sanctioned in May 2022, outlined a 90-member Assembly, with 47 seats apportioned to Kashmir and 43 to Jammu.
As the first electoral exercise for the Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the upcoming Assembly elections represent a significant milestone in the region’s democratic journey.
Recently Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the reinstatement of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, promising imminent Assembly elections thereafter. The time is near for Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir will regain its statehood. You will have the opportunity to voice your aspirations to your MLA and ministers, he said.
“ Additionally, he pledged that the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the region will proceed without fear and boycott, strikes, stone-pelting, or cross-border firing,” PM Modi said.
The decision to initiate the process for common symbols is widely welcomed, particularly by regional parties and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have been demanding their representation in the democratic process.