ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party requested additional time from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for submitting a response in the intra-party polls case. Barrister Gohar, representing PTI, appeared before a five-member commission led by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. The ECP directed PTI to submit their response to the intra-party polls case by August 15.
At the start of the hearing, Barrister Gohar pleaded with the ECP, “I have to appear before IHC today in an important case. Please grant me more time to submit a response.” The Election Commission of Pakistan accepted the plea, resulting in the adjournment of the hearing until August 15. The legal representative of PTI has received instructions to present the party’s response in the upcoming hearing.
It’s worth noting that the initial deadline for PTI to conduct intra-party polls was June 13, 2021. However, the party was granted an extension until June 13 this year based on its request. The ECP emphasized that a final notice was issued in June 2022, and further delays are not feasible.
According to Section 208 of the Elections Act, all political parties are required to elect office-bearers at the federal, provincial, and local levels periodically. This should be done in accordance with the guidelines outlined in their respective party constitutions.
The act stipulates, “Provided that a period, not exceeding five years, shall intervene between any two elections.”
Furthermore, the law dictates political parties update a list of central office-bearers and executive committee members on the website. Additionally, any modifications to this list must be shared with the Election Commission.
