ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to Prime Minister Imran Khan in his capacity as chairman of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) for not holding intra-party elections within the stipulated time.

The ECP notice, a copy of which is available with Dawn, asks the PTI chairman to explain reasons for not holding intra-party polls due on June 13, 2021.

Under the Elections Act, 2017, all political parties are required to hold intra-party elections on time — before every five years. They can hold the polls in three or four years as enshrined in their respective constitutions.

“… 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),” read the ECP notice issued to the prime minister.

The ECP sought a response from the premier within 14 days, warning that the commission “shall take further action under the law” if the notice was not responded to.

The commission said a political party was required to submit a certificate signed by an office-bearer of the party, 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 as required under legal requirements, according to the ECP.

It also highlighted that a political party enlisted under the Elections Act shall be eligible to obtain an election symbol for contesting elections for parliament, provincial assemblies or local government after the submission of the certificate of intra-party elections.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2021