The People’s National Convention (PNC) has raised objection to the issuance of a final registration certificate to the People’s National Party (PNP) by the Electoral Commission (EC).

The PNC through its solicitors has, thus, called on the EC to withhold the final registration certificate for the newly established PNP.

In a letter submitted to the EC on Tuesday, 16 July 2024, PNC solicitors raised concerns about the potential for voter confusion due to the similarities in the names and symbols of the two parties.

According to the PNC, “The formation of the PNP stems from the credo of the PNC.”

Also, “the name PNP, being the predecessor party that gave rise to the PNC, is very similar to the PNC,” the letter indicated.

It further indicated: “This similarity could lead to confusion among voters.”

The PNC highlighted the emblem chosen by the PNP as another source of potential confusion.

“The use of the palm nut tree as an emblem for the newly formed party PNP will further confuse the electorate, leaving them to believe that the PNC and PNP are one and the same,” the letter continued.

The PNC further pointed out that the executives of the new PNP are former executives of the PNC, which could exacerbate voter confusion.

“Since the executives of the PNP are former executives of the PNC, together with the history between the erstwhile PNP and PNC earlier canvassed, it will leave no doubt in the minds of the electorate that the new PNP and PNC are one and the same.”