The Election Commission in Islamabad has issued a notice to Tehreek-e-Insaf following a petition aiming to nullify the party’s intra-party election. A 5-member commission, led by the Chief Election Commissioner, conducted a preliminary hearing on 14 petitions questioning the legitimacy of PTI’s intra-party elections. Petitioners and their legal representatives appeared before the Election Commission during this hearing.
Akbar S. Babar’s lawyer argued that while all parties conduct intra-party elections, PTI was directed by the Election Commission to conduct them. However, the elections were held just two days after a public notice on November 30, without details such as the voter list or a disclosed election schedule. Notably, PTI’s constitution lacks a fixed procedure for elections, raising concerns about the legality of these elections under the party’s regulations. The lawyer emphasized that if no procedure for elections exists in the party’s constitution, they should comply with the governing Act. Allegations were made regarding the absence of nomination papers, scrutiny, or a final candidate list.
When questioned about the status of Akbar S. Babar within the party, the lawyer confirmed his membership and advocated for re-elections through an impartial third party. Evidence, including video footage, was mentioned to support claims of irregularities in the election process.
Another lawyer, Raja Tahir Abbasi, argued that these elections were not conducted in accordance with the Elections Act or the PTI constitution. He raised concerns about the selection process, citing instances where individuals facing legal issues were allegedly given positions within the party.
The Election Commission inquired about any formal written complaints to the party regarding these issues, to which the lawyer confirmed no such written complaints were made. However, they expressed readiness to provide evidence, including mobile devices for video forensics, and urged the Election Commission not to recognize the allegedly fraudulent intra-party elections conducted on December 2.
Member Election Commission Khyber Pakhtunkhwa emphasized the importance of rectifying the situation, warning of potential consequences outlined in Section 215 of the Elections Act if the elections were not addressed promptly.
A petitioner, Raja Hamid Zaman, strongly criticized PTI for conducting what they termed as fake elections and urged the Election Commission to take action against the party, even suggesting the suspension of PTI’s election symbol.
Subsequently, the Election Commission issued a notice to PTI and adjourned the hearing until December 12. Concurrently, a protest outside the Election Commission voiced opposition to the alleged fraudulent elections, with demonstrators displaying placards and chanting slogans against PTI’s intra-party process. Police presence was significant during the protest, with anti-PTI slogans visible on protesters’ placards.