{"id":38764,"date":"2023-12-23T03:58:51","date_gmt":"2023-12-23T03:58:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/ecp-takes-back-bat-symbol-from-pti-ahead-of-feb-8-polls-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-12-23T03:58:51","modified_gmt":"2023-12-23T03:58:51","slug":"ecp-takes-back-bat-symbol-from-pti-ahead-of-feb-8-polls-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/ecp-takes-back-bat-symbol-from-pti-ahead-of-feb-8-polls-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"ECP takes back ‘bat’ symbol from PTI ahead of Feb 8 polls | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\nISLAMABAD:
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a big blow to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ahead of February 8 general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday nullified the intra-party elections of the former ruling party, taking back the party’s famous “cricket bat” symbol.<\/p>\n

The reserved verdict<\/a> was announced by a five-member ECP bench \u2014 headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja.<\/p>\n

The decision came hours after PTI representatives met with the ECP officials following a Supreme Court order to remove the party’s reservations regarding the lack of a level playing field.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo keeping in view, the clear mandate of Elections Act, 2017 read with PTI constitution 2019, it is held that PTI has not complied with our directions rendered therein order dated 23rd November, 2023 and failed to hold intra-party election in accordance with PTI prevailing Constitution, 2019 and Election Act, 2017, and Election Rules, 2017,\u201d the ECP\u2019s written order, available with The Express Tribune<\/em>, stated.<\/p>\n

Read more: ECP told to decide PTI internal polls by today<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cTherefore, the certificate dated 4th December, 2023 and Form-65 filed by the alleged Chairman, is hereby regretted and rejected accordingly. The provisions of Section 215 of the Election Act, 2017 are hereby invoked and PTI is hereby declared ineligible to obtain, the Election Symbol, for which they have applied for.\u201d<\/p>\n

The development comes a day after the Peshawar High Court ordered the ECP to settle the issues of the PTI\u2019s intra-party polls and its electoral symbol by Friday (today).<\/p>\n

The PTI had also asked the PHC to direct the ECP to publish the results of its internal elections on the commission\u2019s website \u2013 a step required by the party to contest the next general polls.<\/p>\n

In the intra-party elections held earlier this month on the ECP\u2019s order, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was elected the PTI\u2019s new chairman.<\/p>\n

Gohar was nominated by Imran Khan — the PTI\u2019s founding chairman, who was currently incarcerated in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.<\/p>\n

However, PTI founding member Akbar S Babar, who later developed differences with its leadership, challenged the party’s intra-party polls.<\/p>\n

In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, he requested that the PTI should not be allowed to use the \u2018cricket bat\u2019 as its electoral symbol until it held transparent intra-party polls.<\/p>\n

He also asked the commission to appoint an independent third-party monitor to conduct the PTI\u2019s fresh intra-party polls.<\/p>\n

Babar further contended that the PTI had not disclosed the rules and regulations of the intra-party polls; their schedule and procedure; and time for the submission of nomination papers.<\/p>\n

On Monday, the ECP had reserved its verdict on petitions challenging the intra-party polls of PTI.<\/p>\n

A day later on Tuesday, the commission also reserved its judgment over the allotment of the electoral symbol of the ‘cricket bat’ to the PTI.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the PTI termed the move another part of the \u201cLondon plan\u201d. \u201cLadla [Nawaz] Sharif cannot compete on ground, he knows he stands no chance to win when the voters are Pakistanis,\u201d the party wrote on its X handle.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Ladla Sharif cannot compete on ground , he knows he stands no chance to win when the voters are Pakkstanis. This yet another part of the famous London Plan, a disgusting and shameful attempt to stop PTI from election.<\/p>\n

InshAllah, \u201cthe bat is not dead. Long live the bat\u201d. We will\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/N0cm7rGjJU<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 PTI (@PTIofficial) December 22, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cThis yet another part of the famous London Plan, a disgusting and shameful attempt to stop PTI from election.\u201d<\/p>\n

PTI has long used the cricket bat as a symbol, and in a nation where the adult literacy rate is just 58 per cent, according to World Bank data, icons are vital to identify parties on ballot papers.<\/p>\n

A PTI lawyer said they would challenge the decision, which comes just seven weeks before polling day.<\/p>\n

With additional input from AFP<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n