APC Symbol-Only Ballots Spark Transparency Concerns in Lower-Level Polls

APC Symbol-Only Ballots Spark Transparency Concerns in Lower-Level Polls

The All Peoples Congress (APC) has implemented a novel ballot system for its recent lower-level elections, featuring only pictorial symbols—such as a cock, house, motorbike, car, and cotton tree—to represent aspirants, rather than including their names or faces. This omission has immediately raised questions regarding voter clarity and the overall transparency of the electoral process.

Reports indicate that party members cast their votes using these symbol-only instruments. However, some members have voiced concerns that the absence of identifying information like names or photographs could significantly confuse voters, particularly those participating for the first time, potentially undermining their ability to make an informed selection.

Party officials have yet to issue a formal statement clarifying the rationale behind the exclusion of candidate names from the ballots. While the APC has not specified whether this format will be revised for future internal polls, the current situation underscores the critical necessity of a clear and unambiguous ballot design to guarantee that all voters can exercise their franchise knowledgeably.