The Election Commission (EC) has issued a gazette notification amending the Election Conduct Rules, 2008, keeping the "boat" symbol suspended while reserving a total of 120 electoral symbols.

Additionally, provisions have been made to include a "No" symbol on the ballot paper to facilitate voting rights in constituencies with a single candidate.

The notification was issued by the Election Commission Secretariat on Wednesday (September 16).

According to the notification, exercising the powers conferred by Article 94 of the Representation of the People Order, 1972 (President’s Order No. 155 of 1972), the Election Commission made further amendments to sub-rule (1) of rule 9 of the Election Conduct Rules, 2008.

Subject to other provisions of these rules, any contesting candidate may be allotted any one of the following symbols, subject to availability, excluding symbols suspended under clause (1) of Article 20.

Finalized Electoral Symbols
Fruits & Crops: Pineapple, Apple, Mango, Coconut, Litchi, Jackfruit, Banana bunch, Date tree, Sunflower, Cauliflower, Paddy sheaf, Golden fiber (Jute).

Animals & Birds: Eagle, Camel, Bullock cart, Cow, Tiger, Rocket (bird/animal context in lists), Heron, Pigeon, Crocodile, Horse, Shrimp, Peacock, Deer, Duck, Elephant, Rooster, Lion.

Vehicles & Transport: Truck, Tractor, Bicycle, Rickshaw, Railway engine, Plough, Ship, Baby taxi, Motor car, Motorcycle, Double-decker bus, Swing, Boat (Suspended), Palanquin, Helicopter.

Household & Everyday Items: Almirah, Towel (Gamcha), Flower garland, Book, Banyan tree, Dressing table, Dhenki (husking pedal), Star, One-tara, Computer, Pen, Pitcher, Scissors, Cup and saucer, Sickle, Hut, Axe, Kula (winnowing fan), Kettle, Spade, Spectacles, Wheel, Key, Comb, Chair, Cane, Umbrella, Jug, Torchlight, Tubewell, Table, Table clock, Table lamp, Telephone, Television, Lock, Plate, Scale, Building, Wall clock, Inkpot and pen, Water tap, Butterfly, Flower basket, Football, Bucket, Electric fan, Electric bulb, Ladder, Mug, Torch (Mashal), Microphone, Fish, Mathal (traditional conical hat), Minaret, Stool, Mobile phone, Candle, Stairs, Sewing machine, Sofa, Hand, Deer, Wristwatch, Hand fan, Hammer, Hurricane, Hookah, Handshake.

Other Symbols: Bell, Kite, Flower bud, Rising sun, Scales, Turban, ‘No’ Symbol.

Financial and Regulatory Updates
The notification also introduces changes to rules governing electoral financial transactions and expenditure management.

According to the updated rules, in the third part of Form-1 under Schedule-1, candidates are now permitted to use a bank account assigned to their designated election agent, alongside the candidate's specific bank account for election expenditures.

Furthermore, a new special note has been added under serial number 3(c) of Annexure-1, stating:

"Special Note: 'Accused' shall mean an accused person against whom charges have been framed by the court."

Another special note has been added under serial number 10, stating:

"Special Note: Providing income tax information for the husband/wife, children, and dependents mentioned in serials 2, 3, and 4 of the aforesaid table, respectively, shall be considered optional."