ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has raised seven objections over the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) intra-party elections held on March 3.
According to the details of the ECP’s objections, PTI failed to conduct intra-party elections under Section 208 (1) of the Elections Act for the past five years, leaving the party without a proper organizational structure. Additionally, PTI didn’t submit the necessary documents for enlistment under Section 202 (5), as the party has yet to provide the documents of the intra-party elections.
Furthermore, the ECP questioned PTI about the legitimacy of its general body meeting held on January 31, 2024, in accordance with Section 208 (3). PTI appointed the federal chief election commissioner for the intra-party elections through a resolution of the general body meeting, whereas the party is supposed to form the electoral college under Section 208 (3).
According to the PTI constitution, the national council, based on the recommendations of the CEC, appoints the federal chief election commissioner. The ECP asked PTI about the status of the general body and the federal chief election commissioner, as the general body deputed the chief organizer who then notified the federal chief election commissioner. The ECP questioned whether the general body has the authority to appoint both the chief organizer and the federal chief election commissioner.
Moreover, the ECP requested PTI’s response to five applications related to intra-party elections, questioning why action shouldn’t be taken against the party under Section 208 (5).
