Without 'Bat', PTI shut out of Senate elections
Supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan hold a giant cricket bat with the colours and initials of the party. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) finds itself on the sidelines of the Senate elections in a similar territory, once again grappling with the loss of its electoral symbol in the parliamentary realm.
As per the dictates of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), only parties with electoral symbols are eligible to partake in the Senate polls, adhering to the same rules governing general elections.
To sidestep legal entanglements, PTI hopefuls must file their nomination papers independently.
According to sources within ECP, nominees of the party must file their papers sans PTI affiliation to dodge legal entanglements.
With the ‘bat’ symbol flying out of reach, PTI's Senate dreams hang in the balance and its hopefuls will once again contest as independents. However, members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) are poised to throw their weight behind PTI's independent contenders.
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ECP sources reiterated that only parties with electoral symbols are entitled to allowed to participate in the elections, a rule which also extends its reach to the Senate stage.
In December last year, the ECP’s decision to deny the PTI its election symbol on technical grounds triggered a crisis— a decision also upheld by the Supreme Court. Nonetheless, the PTI-backed candidates navigated the electoral battle as independents without a symbol in the February 8 general elections.
Meanwhile, as the Senate by-polls loom large on the horizon, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership has completed its initial deliberations, paving the way for the finalisation of two new names vying for Senate seats, according to insider sources.
Also read: PTI stripped of iconic ‘Bat’
PTI has set its sights on Zulfi Bukhari, marking him as a contender for a coveted Senate position. In addition, the party has earmarked a Senate ticket for Hamid Khan, a stalwart and founding member of the PTI.
Already in the Senate race is Ilyas Mehrban, who has also been granted a ticket.
However, the party remains in contemplation mode, considering several other potential candidates for the Senate fray.
Notably, all Senate tickets must pass muster with the founding chairman Imran Khan. Meanwhile, a crucial meeting is likely to take place soon where Imran will decide the fate of the hopefuls.