Intra-party polls: ECP directs PTI to submit response by Aug 15

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday directed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to submit a response to the intra-party polls case by August 15.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja heard the case while PTI’s Barrister Gohar appeared before the commission.

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At the onset of the hearing, Barrister Gohar appealed to the ECP, expressing the need for additional time due to a pressing engagement at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) scheduled for the same day.

“I have to appear before IHC today in an important case, please grant me more time to submit a response,” Barrister Gohar implored at the onset of the hearing.

Acknowledging the request, the Election Commission of Pakistan acceded to Barrister Gohar’s plea, resulting in the adjournment of the hearing until August 15.

The plea was accepted by the Election Commission of Pakistan after which the hearing was adjourned until August 15.

PTI’s counsel has been directed to submit the party’s response at the next hearing.

It is to be noted that the last date for the PTI to conduct intra-party polls was June 13, 2021, but the party was given till June 13 this year on its request. The ECP added that a last notice was issued in June 2022 and further delay is not possible.

According to Section 208 of the Elections Act, all political parties were required to elect office-bearers at the federal, provincial and local levels, periodically in accordance with the Constitution of the respective political party.

“Provided that a period, not exceeding five years, shall intervene between any two elections,” a proviso to section 208(1) of the act read.

Under the law, a political party was also required to publish the updated list of its central office-bearers and executive committee members on its website and send the list and any subsequent change in it to the Election Commission.

The PTI’s legal counsel has been instructed to provide the party’s comprehensive response during the forthcoming session.