Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf has postponed the intra-party elections due to party members’ engagement in the general elections 2024 and concerns shown by members over the security issues. Earlier, PTI announced that the party polls would take place before the general elections.
The intra-party elections hold significance for PTI as the party aimed to reclaim the ‘bat’ symbol. The Supreme Court of Pakistan upheld the decision of Election Commission that declared PTI’s internal polls unconstitutional. Hence, the members of party are now competing as independent candidates with various electoral symbols – opening the doors for horse-trading. The scenario also took away the opportunity for PTI to contest on reserved seats for women and minorities.
To reclaim its symbol, PTI called a general body meeting and decided to organise intra-party polls on February 5. Reportedly, the meeting had to be moved online instead of taking place in the Central Secretariat due to a raid conducted by police and security officials in plain clothes. However, these allegations were denied by the police.
PTI information secretary Raoof Hasan had announced that only registered members would contest elections. He added that members can download nomination papers from the website or find them from offices across the country. Raoof Hassan showed reservations about ECP and said the commission might state that PTI does not have lawmakers in the lower house of parliament and not allot the PTI its symbol for that reason.