PTI lost electoral symbol ‘bat’ as ECP termed intra-party polls unconstitutional

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday evening declared PTI ineligible to obtain iconic ‘bat’ as Election Symbol and ruled intra-party polls unconstitutional.

The ECP’s five member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja announced the reserved verdict on PTI’s intra-party elections.

The ECP in order stated, “The PTI has not complied with our directions […] and failed to hold the intra-party election in accordance with the PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019, and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017.”

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) a day earlier approached Peshawar High Court (PHC) requesting to direct the ECP to publish the results of PTI’s intra-party polls. The PHC then directed ECP to decide the matter accordance with the law.

On December 3, PTI held its intra-party elections on the ECP’s order, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was elected the PTI’s new chairman. In reponse, to take back ‘bat’ symbol PTI is expected to move to high court or SC for immediate intervention.

Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad, a former secretary of the ECP, said that following the commission’s order, PTI’s members would have to run in the general elections as independent candidates.