ECP has powers to revoke election symbols: LHC

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday ruled that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) possesses the authority to revoke electoral symbols from political parties.

The LHC issued a written judgment, dismissing the petition filed against the ECP’s power to reclaim election symbols. Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan released an 18-page verdict.

The court determined that Section 215 of the Election Act 2017 does not violate the Constitution. Additionally, the court stated that Section 215 of the Election Act 2017 aligns with Articles 9, 14, 17, and others in the Constitution.The incorporation of this section in the Election Act was intended to further empower the ECP, as per the court’s findings.

The verdict highlighted that, according to the petitioner, the ECP’s authority to withdraw election symbols violated the Constitution. The petitioner had requested the court declare Section 215 of the Election Act null and void.

The judgment emphasised that the petition was not maintainable and that political parties must adhere to the provisions of the act and the Constitution.Furthermore, the court clarified that Sections 209 and 2010 of the Election Act 2017 pertain to intra-party polls. The petition was filed by citizen Mian Shabbir Ismail in the Lahore High Court.