The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced the finalisation of preparations for intra-party elections being held on December 2, 2023, complying with the directives of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), a Pakistani media organisation reported.
Nomination of Gohar Ali Khan
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, nominated by Imran Khan, submitted his papers for the party’s chairman position. The party defended the decision to nominate Barrister Gohar, which was reportedly causing internal discord, as a move away from traditional politics.
While a PTI spokesperson did not officially disclose polling details, Gohar’s nomination papers were received by Returning Officer Sardar Masroof Khan in Islamabad. PTI Chief Election Commissioner Niazullah Niazi told Dawn that elections would follow the party’s 2020 rules, revised in 2022, with members voting for the entire panel.
The PTI spokesperson accused conspirators of attempting to sabotage the elections but affirmed the party’s determination to adhere to constitutional and democratic principles, Pakistani media reported. Amid complaints of an uneven playing field, PTI reaffirmed its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Five Returning Officers (ROs) were nominated, covering federal and provincial levels. However, the exact number of candidates and voters remained unspecified, with Niazi stating that “thousands” were eligible. The ECP had invalidated PTI’s 2022 intra-party polls, instructing fresh elections within 20 days to retain the electoral symbol, a cricket bat.
Order from Election Commission (Pakistan)
“In case the respondent party fails to hold its intra-party election within the prescribed 20 days, which will run from November 30, 2023, the date on which this order is announced, in such eventuality, the respondent will suffer the penal consequences of Section 215(5) of Elections Act, 2017 accordingly and would be ineligible to obtain an election symbol for election to Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament),” stated the ECP order.
