ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has dismissed Akbar S. Babar’s appeal for a re-conduct of the intra-party elections of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The decision was made during a session chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, where 14 petitioners presented their case against the PTI intra-party election.
Akbar S. Babar’s lawyer, Ali Hassan, argued that the Election Commission is established just two days before the elections, leading to the absence of a voter list and hurriedly conducted elections. When questioned about Article-5 of the PTI constitution, Babar explained that it implies conducting the election in a closed room, prompting a member from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to advise seriousness.
During the hearing, Akbar S. Babar urged the suspension of newly elected PTI members. He highlighted the lack of cooperation at the central secretariat, providing video evidence of difficulties faced in obtaining nomination papers and the absence of a proper scrutiny process or a final list.
However, the Election Commission rejected Babar’s appeal, with ECP member Karamullah citing the clarity of Section 215 of the Election Act, emphasizing the impossibility of re-election. Akbar S. Babar, a founding leader of PTI, had formally lodged a petition against the party’s intra-party elections with the Election Commission of Pakistan.
The ECP, however, has issued a notice to PTI regarding the matter of intra-party elections .
Today, the Election Commission held a hearing on the request of central petitioner Akbar S. Babar. Akbar S. Babar’s lawyer, Ali Hassan, provided arguments stating that conducting intra-party elections is mandatory. While PTI’s intra-party elections did take place, the Election Commission is formed just two days before the elections. No voter list is prepared, and the elections are held two days later.”
