Political Logos

Politics is as big as the Olympic Games all over the world. Politicians are also known to check mate their opponents with effective speeches and symbols they endorse. Nothing can be more effective a strategy than winning an election that comes one in 4 or 5 years. Britain, America and India have large democracies have strong political affiliations. The candidate and the mandate know the importance of governance. The chosen symbol can make or mar a political career. While an educated candidate can speak well, a bad symbol can hurtle him into ignominy and result in a fractured mandate for the party. Political logoshave a large role to play in winning over the people. Every campaign brings out the true manifesto of the candidates and the parties. The logo of the party is not only a symbol but also its true characteristic. Across the world, there are different political parties with their set of ideologies, values and agendas. They are represented with different icons, right from a donkey to a lotus. These political logos become the face of the political parties. Political campaigns, websites, voting machines, political banners, etc. bear these emblems to reinforce their identity in the minds of the voters. Like all other fields, in politics too, it is important to have a strong brand identity that people can relate to.

Indian National Congress, India’s oldest political party, was depicted with a spinning wheel against the Indian flag background, advocating Gandhian ideology. Over the years, the wheel was replaced by an open right hand palm- an oath to serve the country and its people. It also symbolized balanced thinking (Buddhist influence) to rule without prejudices. The democratic party of USA is represented by a red and blue (colours of American flag) donkey. It is said that when Andrew Jackson ran for president in 1828, his opponents called him a ‘jackass’ for his populist views and his slogan, ‘let the people win’. Jackson, however, cashed in on it and started using the donkey on his campaign posters. During his presidency the donkey was used to represent Jackson’s stubbornness when he vetoed re-chartering the National Bank. Since then, the donkey is used by the Democrats as a symbol of uprightness and honesty.

Any political logoshould inspire and motivate; it promises a positive change, it brings power and decides the fate of millions-. The purpose is to communicate effectively.