ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) today (Thursday) issued a show-cause notice to Prime Minister Imran Khan for not holding intra-party elections as PTI chairman within the stipulated time.
According to the notice, the ECP sought reasons from the PTI chief for not holding intra-party polls due on June 13, 2021. “In terms of Section 215 (4) of the Elections Act, 2017, you are required to show cause as to why your party may not be declared ineligible to obtain an election symbol for upcoming Election (s),” it reads.
The ECP also sought a response from the prime minister within 14 days, warning that the election commission shall take further action under the law if the notice was not responded to.
“A political party was required to submit a certificate signed by an office-bearer of the party”, the ECP said, assuring that the polls were held in accordance with the constitution of the political party and the Elections Act.
“However, the PTI failed to provide the certificate with regard to the conduct of intra-party elections due on June 13, 2021 as required under legal requirements,” said the ECP.
Under the Elections Act, 2017, all political parties are required to hold intra-party elections on time. The ECP requires political parties to conduct intra-party elections before every five years, and the parties can hold the polls in three or four years as enshrined in their respective constitutions.
