In a significant development, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to postpone its intra-party polls, initially scheduled for February 5, until after the upcoming general elections due to concerns over the “unfortunate security situation created by the administration” and expressed worries by members.
This decision follows the recent stripping of PTI’s symbol by the Supreme Court, upholding the Election Commission of Pakistan’s declaration of the party’s internal polls as “unconstitutional.”
PTI members are now contesting as independent candidates with different electoral symbols, raising concerns about potential horse-trading and floor crossing. The party has lost the right to reserved seats for women and minorities as a result.
The decision to hold the intra-party polls was announced a day after the Supreme Court’s verdict, aiming to reclaim its symbol. However, the meeting’s venue was shifted online after alleged police and security officials’ intervention at the Central Secretariat in Islamabad.
PTI’s Information Secretary Raoof Hasan mentioned the completion of arrangements for the intra-party elections but expressed skepticism about relief from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The ECP, according to Hasan, may not allot the PTI its symbol, or allow elected independent members to join the party due to its absence in the lower house of parliament.
Former ECP secretary Kanwar Dilshad emphasized the ECP’s final decision-making authority on this matter.
In a notification, PTI announced the rescheduling of its internal polls, citing the administration’s blockade of the designated venue, sealing off the Islamabad office, and the need for additional time to arrange alternate venues. The party acknowledged members’ concerns and the security situation, deciding to hold intra-party elections after the general elections.
Meanwhile, PTI founding member Akbar S. Babar proposed the formation of three-member committees, representing his side and former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s side, to prepare a roadmap for restructuring the party. Babar highlighted the importance of transparent intra-party elections, transparency within the party, and ethical considerations in politics.
