The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has scheduled a hearing on June 6 for the intra-party election case involving the imprisoned founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan.
This development follows a series of objections and inquiries by the electoral watchdog concerning the party’s internal electoral process. Notices have been issued to PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and spokesman Raoof Hassan, directing their appearance on the specified date.
ECP’s Ongoing Scrutiny of PTI’s Electoral Process
The ECP’s scrutiny of PTI’s intra-party elections has been a protracted issue. Initially set for a hearing on May 30, the case was rescheduled due to the unavailability of a bench. The ECP’s notice demands a detailed response from PTI regarding its internal electoral process.
This comes after the commission sent a comprehensive questionnaire to the party, seeking detailed information about the recently held intra-party elections.
The electoral body has expressed concerns about PTI’s compliance with the rules governing intra-party elections. In May, the ECP raised further objections and questioned the party’s organisational status, particularly after it allegedly failed to conduct timely internal elections.
This failure, according to the ECP, resulted in PTI losing its organisational structure, as mandated by Section 208(1) of the Election Act.
On December 22, the ECP took a significant step by revoking PTI’s electoral symbol, the ‘bat,’ citing irregularities in the party’s intra-party polls.
The Supreme Court later upheld this decision, compelling PTI to field its candidates as independents in the elections held on February 8. Despite holding new intra-party elections on March 3, PTI continues to face challenges from the ECP, which has not yet issued a notification recognizing these elections.
ECP’s Questionnaire and PTI’s Compliance Issues
The ECP has consistently raised questions about PTI’s adherence to electoral laws. In its recent notice, the ECP sent a two-page questionnaire to PTI, probing the legitimacy and transparency of its internal elections.
The commission has specifically inquired about the current status of PTI as a political entity, given the lapsing of five years since its last confirmed intra-party elections. This lapse, as per ECP’s interpretation, effectively dismantled PTI’s organisational structure.
The commission’s scrutiny includes demands for comprehensive records of the elected office-bearers, detailed poll data, and election results.
According to the ECP, a political party must submit these documents within a week after conducting intra-party elections to maintain its registration under the old law stipulated in the Election Act.
The ECP’s concerns extend beyond procedural lapses to the potential delisting of PTI as a registered political party.
The electoral watchdog has hinted at initiating the delisting process and imposing fines on PTI for not conducting timely intra-party elections. Such measures, if implemented, could have far-reaching consequences for PTI’s political standing and its participation in future electoral processes.
Impact on PTI’s Political Future
The ongoing legal and procedural challenges faced by PTI highlight significant hurdles in its political journey. The party’s organizational structure, critical for its electoral strategies and governance, is under severe scrutiny. The loss of its electoral symbol and the potential for delisting pose existential threats to PTI’s political operations.
Imran Khan, despite being imprisoned, remains a central figure in PTI’s leadership. His absence from active political engagement has already created a leadership vacuum, complicating the party’s internal dynamics and electoral strategies. The current challenges further strain PTI’s resources and its ability to mobilize support effectively.
PTI’s call for the ECP to issue a notification recognizing its recent intra-party elections underscores the party’s efforts to regain its organizational footing.
However, the ECP’s persistent objections indicate a complex and possibly prolonged legal battle. The outcome of the June 6 hearing could be pivotal in determining PTI’s immediate political future and its ability to operate as a cohesive political entity.
In conclusion, the ECP’s stringent examination of PTI’s intra-party election process reflects broader issues of governance and compliance within political parties in Pakistan.
The upcoming hearing on June 6 is a critical juncture for PTI as it navigates these challenges and seeks to restore its organizational legitimacy and electoral viability.
