The PTI intra-party elections are encountering obstacles as the Election Commission (EC) enforces stringent measures to ensure transparency and adherence to party regulations. With concerns over the integrity of the electoral process, the EC has initiated a series of directives, including the formation of a fact-finding committee and a mandatory requirement for PTI to submit Form 65 detailing the election proceedings within seven days after completion.
Following the EC’s instructions, Akbar S. Babar, a prominent PTI member, will compile a fact-finding report within the next two days, emphasizing a commitment to transparent procedures. The intra-party election dispute within PTI will now be resolved through the EC’s forum.
According to reports, the PTI has made amendments to its party constitution, replacing the ballot with a show of hands as part of its ongoing reforms. The party founder, Akbar S. Babar, has asserted that the new process is in line with party constitutional amendments, opting for a show of hands instead of a secret ballot.
The EC, in its decision on November 23, had mandated that intra-party elections be conducted within 20 days and that the election report (Form 65) be submitted within seven days post-election. The directive emphasized the necessity for transparent and fair intra-party elections, aligning with PTI’s constitution.
The recent amendments in the PTI constitution also include a change in the electoral college, replacing registered members with the National Council for the selection of new office bearers.
The ongoing disagreement within PTI has reached a point where the electoral process is being closely monitored by the EC, ensuring that all amendments and processes are in line with legal requirements. The debate over the inclusion of all members of the National Council in the electoral college has further intensified the intra-party conflict.
As the PTI faces challenges in conducting transparent and fair intra-party elections, the role of the Chief Election Commissioner of the EC becomes crucial in validating the legal and constitutional aspects of the party’s electoral process. The dispute within PTI underscores the significance of adhering to democratic principles even within political parties, emphasizing the need for fair play and adherence to legal and constitutional norms.
