Intra-party polls: PTI issues warning to candidates over grouping

Must publicly dissociate with alliances within seven days

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Election Commission has taken notice of candidates who have decided to contest intra-party polls by forming groups and panels. Groupings were announced through press conferences, stated a handout issued by the party on Monday.

PTI Election Commission Secretary Khalid Zahoor Kiyani directed such candidates to publicly dissociate from any group within seven days or face disciplinary action and subsequent disqualification.

According to the press release, such actions were a blatant contravention of the code of conduct issued by the election commission.

The code clearly states elections will be contested on an individual basis and no panels or groups shall be formed.

Kiyani added all groups, including those which announced their formation through a press conference, have been directed to disband in their own interest.

“These actions are unfortunate as they come from top leaders of the party,” he said. The secretary added these individuals should be setting an example for other party members.

“If any consultation is required among like-minded members, it should be done away from the media or public eye,” Kiyani was quoted as saying.

He advised candidates to familiarise themselves with the code of conduct and rules issued by the PTI EC. He said an opportunity had been provided to them to rectify this misdemeanor.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 15^th, 2016.