MQM-P issued show-cause notice over intra-party polls

KARACHI:

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a show-cause notice to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) for failing to hold its intra-party elections within the stipulated time, warning that the party could lose its eligibility to obtain or retain an election symbol for future elections.

The ECP has sought an explanation from the party as to why it should not be declared ineligible to obtain or retain an election symbol for upcoming elections.

According to the show-cause notice issued on October 26, 2026, MQM-P failed to fulfil the requirements of Sections 208, 209 and 215 of the Elections Act 2017.

The notice stated that under an order issued on April 16, 2026, the ECP had granted the party an extended deadline of October 15, 2026, to conduct its intra-party elections. However, the party failed to hold the elections within the prescribed period.

Under Section 209 of the Elections Act 2017 and Rule 158 of the Election Rules 2017, a political party is required to submit a certificate confirming the conduct of its intra-party elections to the ECP within seven days of their completion.

The ECP has directed MQM-P to submit its response within 14 days of the issuance of the notice, warning that failure to do so may lead to further legal proceedings.

The commission has made it clear that failure to fulfil the statutory requirements could result in the party being barred from obtaining or retaining an election symbol for future elections.