ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has raised seven objections regarding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) intra-party elections conducted on March 03.
Among the objections, the ECP highlighted PTI’s failure to hold intra-party elections as mandated by Section 208 (1) of the Elections Act for the past five years, leaving the party without a proper organizational structure. Additionally, PTI did not submit the necessary documents for registration as required by Section 202 (5), as the party has yet to provide documentation regarding its intra-party elections.
Furthermore, the ECP questioned the compliance of PTI’s general body meeting on January 31, 2024, with Section 208 (3) regulations. PTI’s appointment of the federal chief election commissioner for the intra-party elections via the general body resolution was scrutinized, as Section 208 (3) specifies the formation of an electoral college by the party for such appointments.
According to PTI’s constitution, the national council is tasked with appointing the federal chief election commissioner upon recommendations from the CEC. The ECP sought clarification from PTI regarding the status of the general body and the federal chief election commissioner, particularly concerning the appointment of the chief organizer by the general body, who subsequently designated the federal chief election commissioner. The ECP questioned the authority of the general body to appoint both the chief organizer and the federal chief election commissioner.
In addition, the ECP requested PTI’s response to five applications related to the intra-party elections, questioning why no action should be taken against the party under Section 208 (5).
