ISLAMABAD: On Monday, a five-member bench of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reserved its decision on pleas against the intra-party elections of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja presided over the bench, and one of the petitioners, Akbar S Babar, a founding member of the PTI, was present during the proceedings.
A total of 13 petitions have been filed challenging the PTI’s intra-party polls, and the Hum Awam Pakistan Party has also submitted a plea to the ECP regarding the party symbol of a bat. The ECP issued a notice to the PTI on December 8 in response to allegations of rigging and fraud in the intra-party elections.
Barrister Ali Zafar presented arguments, stating that the intra-party elections were held again within 20 days as per the orders of the polls overseer. He highlighted that, according to the party’s constitution, a party chairman is elected for a five-year term. Zafar explained that the PTI conducts panel and single types of elections, and the party chief was elected unopposed through secret ballots.
The PTI’s lawyer emphasized that the ECP does not regulate intra-party elections as election tribunals, and according to the Election Act, challenges to a party’s decision can only be made by its members. Zafar also mentioned the conditions for election symbols outlined in the Election Act.
During the hearing, an ECP member inquired about the copies of nomination papers or notices related to nomination papers. The PTI’s representative confirmed their existence but did not present them in court.
The commission reserved its decision after hearing the arguments, and this case adds to the ongoing legal challenges surrounding the PTI’s intra-party elections.
