ISLAMABAD — The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has delisted two political parties for failing to hold intra-party elections, reducing the total number of registered political parties to 159.
The Election Commission has continued its action against inactive political parties, delisting the Pakistan Freedom Movement and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Ittehad. Both parties were delisted for not conducting intra-party elections.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission heard an appeal filed by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi against the proposed delisting of the Awam Pakistan Party.
During the hearing, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the Election Commission had ordered the party on January 7 to conduct intra-party elections within 60 days. He said the party held its elections within the stipulated period and submitted the record to the Election Commission.
Abbasi further stated that the party had not violated any requirement concerning amendments to its constitution. He said the Election Commission had issued its decision without hearing the party.
Chief Election Commissioner told Abbasi that if he wanted to submit any record against the Election Commission’s decision, he could do so.
The Election Commission reserved its decision on whether the appeal was maintainable.
