should there be no election symbols ?

[fnaeem]

Assalmu alaikum,

Here is a thought. What instead of these election symbols we had name of local candidate with the name of party/party-leader. If we fear that it is uneducated that tip the election incorrectly, would eliminating the symbols not take them out of the equation. It should also force those who want to keep them illiterate to get them some basic literacy. This is short term disenfranchisement for long term benefit. Thoughts ?

 

[Raaz]

قوم جاہل ہے اس لئے نشان ہوتے ہیں ، کتا ، بلا ، شیر ، باندر
پڑھی لکھی دنیا میں تو صرف نام اور پارٹی لکھی ہوتی ہے

This is sample ballot paper in Canada

 

[fnaeem]

this is what I am saying that it is disenfranchisement for a short time, these waderas and sardars, chaudhries and peers would be forced to teach their "kamis" basic reading. and hopefully that opens the door for them to get out of their clutches. This is different from Ayub's BD because here if you can read, you can vote, but not everyone can vote until they are able to read. It will cause rural constituencies to come into play for 10-20 years. Right now if you are not a powerful elite you dont even dream of running from there.

 

[GreenMaple]

As per constitution every adult whether literate or illiterate has entrenched right to vote. So instead of improvising, everyone must be given a basic literacy level and some competency in reading. Until then the system of election symbols is the only way to go.

 

[LovePK-or-LeavePK]

Symbol are there for those who never went to school and can't read.

However, a picture of candidate with picture of party leader can achieve the same goal.

 

[LovePK-or-LeavePK]

Another suggestion:

Like France's democratic elections, if winner MNA/MPA doesn't secure above 50% votes then top two candidates should have a runner-up election again. This will filter out all those paid loosers who participate in election as independent candidates just to block some votes and effect the election results.