Countdown to Verdict: ECP Nears Decision on PTI Intra-Party Elections

Verdict on PTI Intra-Party Elections- The Election Commission of Pakistan is anticipated to disclose its verdict on the challenges to PTI’s intra-party elections petitions before midnight, according to sources within the ECP on Friday.

Insiders revealed that the Commission has given assurances to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf about addressing its concerns, with the Chief Election Commissioner sharing a WhatsApp number with PTI leaders for the submission of complaints.

In response to the Peshawar High Court’s directive on Thursday, the ECP was instructed to decide on the petitions against PTI’s intra-party elections in compliance with the law.

Barrister Gohar, the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, argued before the court that the procedure for intra-party elections should be determined by the party itself. He expressed concerns that a denial of acceptance for PTI’s intra-party elections might lead to the non-assignment of the electoral symbol “bat,” resulting in PTI’s candidates being considered independents in the upcoming general elections on February 8 next year.

Gohar raised complaints about the ECP employing delaying tactics and alleged discriminatory treatment toward PTI. He questioned whether any other party had been subjected to responding to 32 questions.

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Responding to Justice Shakeel’s inquiry about whether the ECP should decide on complaints itself, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar emphasized that the party filing the complaint was not a part of the ECP.

During the hearing, Barrister Gohar submitted a list of registered PTI members to the court, stating that notices had been issued not only to the central leadership but also to the provincial cabinet of the PTI.

The court, after reserving its decision following the arguments of the PTI chairman, instructed the ECP to make a decision on the matter in accordance with the law.

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Speaking to the media outside the Peshawar High Court, Gohar claimed that complainants against PTI’s intra-party elections moving to the ECP were all orchestrated. He expressed optimism for a favorable decision, stating that justice would be on their side.