Party Affiliation
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) delivered a significant verdict on Wednesday by rejecting Salman Akram Raja’s appeal to be declared a candidate of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Form-33. Raja, a lawyer, sought this declaration to avoid being categorized as an independent candidate and instead be recognized under the banner of PTI.
In its reserved verdict, the ECP clarified that Raja is not listed as a PTI candidate on Form-33, primarily because the election body had not allotted an election symbol to the party. This crucial decision underscores the importance of adherence to electoral rules, particularly regarding the allocation of election symbols to political parties.
The electoral watchdog emphasized that Raja, like all PTI-backed candidates, will be considered an independent candidate in the upcoming elections, specifically for the National Assembly constituency NA-128, with the electoral symbol ‘Racket.’ The ECP pointed out that PTI failed to conduct its intra-party election, leading to the party’s loss of the election symbol.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan upheld the ECP’s decision, citing the party’s failure to conduct an intra-party election in accordance with the Election Act of 2017. This legal affirmation reinforces the principle that adherence to electoral laws and procedures is paramount, ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.
Salman Akram Raja’s appeal and the subsequent ECP decision highlight the significance of upholding the integrity of the electoral system, with a focus on adherence to rules and regulations governing political party status and candidacy. As Pakistan navigates the complex landscape of electoral politics, such decisions play a pivotal role in maintaining the credibility and fairness of the democratic process.
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