ECP scrutinizes PTI's intra-party elections irregularities

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has once again raised concerns over the intra-party elections of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held on March 3. The ECP has issued a notice to PTI for alleged irregularities in the polls, marking the third instance of scrutiny of the party's internal elections. PTI submitted documents related to the elections on March 4, including details of newly-elected office-bearers and core committee members. However, the ECP's Political Financing Wing has summoned PTI representatives to appear before the commission on April 30.

PTI, which elected Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as chairman and Omar Ayub as secretary general, faces challenges from founding member Akbar S Babar who seeks annulment of the recent intra-party polls. The party's failure to conduct timely elections, citing the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to repeated rejections by the ECP. Despite holding intra-party elections twice in response to ECP directives, PTI has not met the commission's requirements, risking the loss of its iconic electoral symbol 'bat'.

The Election Act (2017) mandates all registered political parties in Pakistan to conduct intra-party elections as per their constitution within specified timelines. PTI's recurrent non-compliance with ECP guidelines has put its electoral symbol in jeopardy, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the party in ensuring transparent and lawful internal elections.