Election Commission (EC) has taken a policy decision not to use the national emblem, the water lily, as an election symbol in future polls.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahmanel Mahsud confirmed the matter on Wednesday (July 9).

He said the Commission decided in principle that, since the water lily is the national emblem, it would not be included in the schedule of symbols under election regulations. Once this decision is implemented, no candidate or party will be eligible to use the symbol.

Earlier, on 17 April, Nagorik Oikya applied to use the water lily as its election symbol. Later, on 22 June, the National Citizen Party also claimed the same symbol.

MSK/