Incorrect Intra-party Elections: PTI Loses 'Bat' As Election Symbol

In its verdict, ECP rules that PTI did not conduct intra-party elections as per its constitution, hence they were void

Incorrect Intra-party Elections: PTI Loses 'Bat' As Election Symbol

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday withdrew the allocation of the 'bat' symbol for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The election symbol was withdrawn after a five-member tribunal of the commission decided on the PTI intra-party elections case and determined that the elections were not held per the party's constitution.

As a result of the decision, the recent election of Barrister Gohar Ali Khan as chairman of the party was also voided.

Previously, the ECP had advised the party to hold intra-party elections anew, but the party failed to do so.

Earlier, PTI held intra-party elections in which Barrister Gohar was elected as the new chairman unopposed. 

The elections were challenged by disgruntled PTI member Akbar S Babar, who claimed that the elections were not held per the party's constitution.

The election was challenged in the ECP. However, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) stopped the ECP from announcing the decision. But on Friday, the court directed the ECP to issue a decision.

The ECP subsequently announced its decision to withdraw the 'bat' symbol from the party.