In a significant political development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has officially announced its boycott of the Senate by-election for the seat vacated by senior party leader Ejaz Chaudhry. The decision was confirmed by the party’s spokesperson, who stated that PTI would neither contest the by-election nor accept its legitimacy. This move signals the party’s continued protest against what it considers an unfair political and electoral environment in the country.
The Senate seat became vacant following Ejaz Chaudhry’s departure, prompting the Election Commission to schedule a by-election. However, PTI has chosen to distance itself from the process entirely.
PTI Candidate Salma Ejaz Withdraws from Contest
Salma Ejaz, PTI’s nominated candidate from Punjab, has formally withdrawn her candidacy and announced that she will not take part in the Senate by-election. Her decision was made public by the PTI spokesperson, who reiterated the party’s unified stance on rejecting the current electoral process.
The spokesperson clarified that Salma Ejaz’s withdrawal is not a personal decision but a strategic move in line with PTI’s broader policy to challenge what it sees as manipulated elections. This step reflects the party’s protest against alleged political victimization and lack of a level playing field in recent electoral exercises.
Party Rejects Election Legitimacy, Cites Political Disillusionment
PTI has made it clear that it will not recognize the results of the upcoming Senate by-election. The party has repeatedly raised concerns about the credibility of electoral bodies and processes, claiming that political engineering has compromised democratic institutions.
The boycott also serves as a broader statement by PTI regarding its opposition to current governance structures and what it perceives as an erosion of democratic values in Pakistan.
