In a move with significant implications for Pakistan’s upcoming elections, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) recently ruled that political parties are no longer obligated to hold internal elections. This decision sparked immediate opposition from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), who promptly challenged it in the Supreme Court.
Rana Sanaullah, a senior leader of the PML-N party, welcomed the PHC’s verdict, claiming it “essentially concludes” the Election Act 2017 and renders internal party elections unnecessary. He views this as a setback for the legal system and a victory for those who “defy the law.” He fears the ruling could embolden those who engaged in disruptive actions on May 9th, interpreting it as a “morale boost.”
However, the ECP disagrees vehemently. They filed a petition with the Supreme Court arguing that the PHC’s decision contradicts both the law and the Constitution. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, along with the commission’s legal team, are actively preparing their case for the highest court.
Meanwhile, the caretaker information minister also met with ECP officials, presumably to discuss the fallout of the PHC verdict and its potential impact on the upcoming elections. This incident signifies a critical juncture in Pakistan’s political landscape, with uncertainty and legal battles looming large over the electoral process. The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision will hold enormous weight in determining the path forward and ensuring the integrity of the elections.
