ECP Holds PTI Responsible for Extended Delays in Intra-Party Election Process
— October 2, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reaffirmed Wednesday that all political parties are required to conduct intra-party elections every five years, in accordance with their party constitutions, under Sections 208 and 209 of the Elections Act 2017.
According to the ECP, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was initially required to hold its intra-party elections by June 13, 2021. However, the party missed the deadline.
The commission issued multiple reminders to PTI, eventually serving a show-cause notice on July 27, 2021. PTI responded by requesting a one-year extension, citing disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ECP granted the extension, moving the deadline to June 13, 2022.
Despite this, PTI submitted incomplete intra-party election documents under Form 65 in June 2022. After several reminders, the party still failed to provide the necessary paperwork. The ECP noted that it exercised considerable leniency throughout the process, granting the party multiple chances to fulfil its legal obligations.
“The responsibility for the delay lies with PTI, although the ECP remains committed to finding a legal resolution,” the statement said.
PTI eventually held its intra-party elections on March 3, 2024. However, the ECP identified several flaws in the election process and issued a notice on April 23, 2024. The case was first heard on April 30, 2024, and has since seen six hearings, with PTI repeatedly requesting adjournments, including at the most recent hearing on October 2, 2024.
The ECP continues to review the case, but the matter remains unresolved due to PTI’s repeated requests for delays.