In the world's largest democracy, India, where literacy rates vary widely, the use of visual symbols in elections plays a crucial role. These electoral symbols transcend linguistic and educational barriers, enabling voters to identify political parties and candidates. The evolution and significance of these symbols offer a fascinating insight into the power of visual communication in shaping political landscapes.
Visual Communication and Symbol Design
The initial collection of symbols was crafted by M.S. Sethi, a draughtsman at the ECI, who meticulously designed each icon to be simple yet distinct. He joined the Commission sometime in 1950 and retired in 1992. When India was planning first election post-independence, Sethi would sit with officials and sketch pictures in pencil of daily use items which would come during discussions and which voters could easily remember and identify. These symbols needed to be easily recognizable and culturally resonant. A decade after Sethi's retirement, his sketches were compiled into a set known as "Free Symbols," which are still used today. This collection includes everyday objects that are familiar to the general populace, ensuring that even the most basic visual literacy can bridge the gap between voter and candidate
Symbolism in Major Political Parties
The symbols of major political parties in India are not just random images; they are imbued with deep cultural and ideological significance:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP):The lotus symbolizes purity, resilience, and spiritual enlightenment in Hinduism. It reflects the BJP's ideological roots and its vision of cultural nationalism and rebirth, representing the party's identity since its inception.
Indian National Congress (INC): The open hand symbolizes unity and inclusiveness. It resonates with the INC's historical role in India's freedom struggle and its ongoing commitment to representing diverse social classes and ethnicities.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): The broom represents the party's mission to sweep away corruption and clean up the political system. It connects with the common man's desire for transparency and accountability in governance.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): The elephant signifies strength, stability, and empathy. It aligns with the BSP's focus on the rights and empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly Dalits.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)): Hammer and Sickle symbolize the unity of industrial and agricultural workers and are globally recognized as communist symbols. They reflect CPI(M)'s commitment to Marxist-Leninist principles.
Impact on Voter Behaviour
Visual symbols significantly influence voter behavior. In a study on election symbols and vote choice, it was found that voters often rely on symbols to make their decisions, especially in constituencies with high illiteracy rates. Recognizable and culturally significant symbols tend to attract more votes, as they evoke familiarity and trust. Parties strategically emphasize these symbols in their campaigns to strengthen their association and maximize their appeal.
Today, parties can choose from more than 190 available symbols or propose new ones. This system helps maintain clarity and prevents confusion among voters, contributing to a smoother electoral process in India. As symbols like the bicycle or broom on an EVM remind us, these are not just doodles but emblems of democracy, crafted to ensure every voter can participate in the electoral process meaningfully.
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