ISLAMABAD: The embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is considering the prospect of conducting intra-party elections afresh in a bid to address legal flaws and setbacks surrounding its iconic electoral symbol, ‘Bat’.
The local media reported that in a unanimous decision, PTI leaders have decided to hold intra-party elections, with the sources indicating the likelihood of these polls taking place before the February 8 elections.
According to the sources, a panel is in the works for these polls with Barrister Gohar Khan again picked as a candidate for the chairmanship. The election is likely to take place within the next four to five days, according to the sources.
The decision to hold afresh the intra-party polls follows the nullification of the previous elections first by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and then the apex court due to legal irregularities.
The ruling by the ECP in a challenge to the Peshawar High Court decision cost the PTI its electoral symbol and also limiting its prospects of returning to power.
Meanwhile, the PTI is scheduled to convene a crucial meeting of the central party leadership today (Wednesday).
The meeting, taking place simultaneously in federal capital Islamabad and the four provincial capitals, will delve into essential organisational matters, including the potential scheduling of intra-party polls.
Members from all corners of the country are expected to participate in the general body meeting, with appointed convenors overseeing proceedings at both the central and provincial levels.