EC greenlights NCP registration but water lily symbol remains sticking point

The Election Commission (EC) has given a positive nod to register the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) but a symbolic showdown looms, as the party refuses to accept any emblem other than the water lily, in either white or red. Following a high-level meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin on Monday, NCP leaders emerged optimistic about formal recognition but firm on their demand for the iconic floral symbol. “Good news is coming, the EC has taken a positive stance on our registration,” said NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari. “However, we are clear: we want the Shapla (water lily). White Shapla or red Shapla — any of these. If we are not allotted one of them, we will...