ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has scheduled a hearing for October 2 regarding the intra-party elections of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This notice follows a petition filed by Akbar S. Babar.
The ECP has instructed Babar to appear in person or through legal representation at the hearing. He challenged the intra-party elections conducted by PTI on March 3.
The PTI previously held intra-party elections on June 9, 2022, which the ECP annulled in November 2023 after a delay of approximately 18 months, citing the non-availability of a bench as the reason for the holdup.
In its November 23, 2023, ruling, the ECP granted the former ruling party 20 days to conduct fresh elections to avoid losing its electoral symbol, the “bat.” This order was issued just two months before the February 8 elections, as political parties were ramping up their campaigns.
Eager to retain its iconic symbol, the PTI held new intra-party elections on December 2, 2023, within 10 days of the ECP’s directive. However, on December 22, the ECP voided this election as well, following a thorough examination of the party’s internal processes, ultimately declaring PTI ineligible for its electoral symbol.
