'Shapla Koli' added to EC's symbol list

The Election Commission (EC) has added the new electoral symbol "Shapla Koli" (Water Lily Bud) to its official list through an amendment to the Election Conduct Rules, 2008. 

According to a gazette notification signed by EC Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed on October 30, "Shapla Koli" has been included at serial number 102, bringing the total number of symbols in the updated list to 119. 

The gazette stated that the amendment was made under the authority granted by Article 94 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972 (President's Order No 155 of 1972).

The EC's decision follows an application from the National Citizen Party (NCP) to use the Shapla (Water Lily) symbol as its party emblem, along with several meetings with the commission on the matter. 

On October 21, the EC decided to reconsider its earlier stance regarding the 'Shapla' symbol claimed by the NCP, stating it would review relevant laws and regulations before making a final decision soon.

Earlier, on October 13, the commission issued an official letter to the NCP, directing the party to select an alternative symbol from the official list and inform the commission by October 19. 

EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed had told reporters that if the party failed to comply, the commission would allocate a symbol at its own discretion. Although the NCP had been asked to choose from the approved list since "Shapla" was not included, the party submitted another application on October 19, reiterating its demand for the same symbol.

On September 30, the EC sent a letter to the NCP asking the party to choose another electoral symbol by October 7. 

In response, on October 7, the NCP again urged the EC to amend the Election Conduct Rules to include the Shapla symbol.