PTI Pushes for Appointment of Impartial CEC
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a fervent plea for the government to swiftly select an honest, unbiased, and neutral chief election commissioner (CEC) in collaboration with PTI. The urgency stems from the imminent expiration of incumbent CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja’s term on January 26, which could jeopardize the integrity of the electoral watchdog and disrupt democratic processes. PTI’s Central Information Secretary, Sheikh Waqas Akram, emphasized the critical need for a timely and consensus-driven appointment to safeguard the institution from further deterioration.
Turbulent Relationship with ECP
The strained relationship between PTI and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) under Raja’s leadership has been fraught with legal battles and public disputes. Tensions reached a peak during the 2024 general elections when PTI accused the ECP of rigging and tampering with votes, resulting in the loss of PTI’s iconic cricket bat symbol. The party’s allegations of delayed results and vote manipulation have escalated, leading to calls for Raja’s resignation due to the erosion of public trust in the ECP’s ability to conduct fair elections.
Unresolved Electoral Issues
Raja’s tenure witnessed several unresolved electoral issues, including postponed Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a standoff over reserved seats between the Supreme Court and Parliament, and delays in local government elections in Punjab and Islamabad. PTI contends that these lingering issues have marred Pakistan’s democratic processes, necessitating the appointment of a competent and impartial CEC through a transparent and consultative process mandated by the Constitution.
Parliamentary Oversight and Constitutional Crisis
PTI’s demand for a new CEC echoes calls from the opposition leaders, urging the government to establish a parliamentary committee for appointments as outlined in Article 213 of the Constitution. Failure to promptly appoint a credible CEC could precipitate a constitutional crisis and further diminish public faith in the democratic system. PTI remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding constitutional supremacy and the rule of law, despite facing challenges and opposition from other political parties.
PPP’s Alleged Deception
In a scathing rebuke, PTI criticized the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for its alleged deception and hypocrisy in purportedly advocating for pro-democracy reforms while covertly supporting laws detrimental to democracy for political gains. PTI vowed to persist in its pursuit of true independence and the rule of law, undeterred by deceptive tactics employed by other parties for self-serving interests.
Unity within PTI
Addressing rumors of internal discord within PTI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter, Waqas dismissed such claims, affirming the party’s unity under the leadership of Imran Khan. He underscored Khan’s role as the cohesive force binding PTI together in its unwavering commitment to upholding democratic principles and advancing the interests of the Pakistani people.
As the debate over the appointment of a new CEC intensifies, PTI’s impassioned plea for an impartial and competent leader to helm the electoral body underscores the party’s unwavering dedication to preserving the integrity of Pakistan’s democratic processes, despite mounting challenges and opposition.
