PTI considers renewed intra-party polls

Intra-party elections expected to take place before upcoming general elections

Our Correspondent January 30, 2024

Supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan hold a giant cricket bat with the colours and initials of the party. PHOTO: AFP/FILE

ISLAMABAD:

Reeling from the legal blow to its intra-party elections, the central leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is considering the prospect of conducting polls afresh, seeking to address legal flaws and setbacks surrounding its electoral symbol.

In a unanimous decision, PTI leaders have opted for intra-party elections, with sources indicating the likelihood of these polls taking place before the upcoming general elections slated for February 8.

According to the sources, a panel is in the works for these elections, with Barrister Gohar Khan again picked as a candidate for the chairmanship. The intra-party election is anticipated to take place within the next four to five days.

The decision to revisit the intra-party polls follows the nullification of the previous elections by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) due to legal irregularities.

The ruling not only stung the former ruling party but also cost the PTI its electoral symbol. This blow resulted in the loss of its electoral symbol and endangered its prospects of returning to power.

In response, PTI approached the Peshawar High Court (PHC), which temporarily reinstated the party's electoral symbol until January 9, pending a review by a divisional bench.

However, the situation took a turn when the PHC withdrew the stay on the ECP order, once again depriving PTI of its symbol.

Later, PTI escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, which ultimately overturned the PHC order, reinstating the ECP's ruling and forcing PTI's ticket holders to participate in the upcoming general elections as independent candidates.

Also read: PTI announces public rallies in a lead-up to Feb 8 polls

Meanwhile, the PTI is scheduled to convene a crucial meeting of the central leadership on Wednesday (today).

The meeting, taking place simultaneously in Islamabad and the four provincial capitals, will delve into essential organisational matters, including the potential scheduling of intra-party elections.

Members from all corners of the country are expected to participate in this general body meeting, with appointed convenors overseeing proceedings at both the central and provincial levels.