The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a show-cause notice to Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) for not holding its intra-party elections. The notice was issued on Tuesday.
The ECP said the party did not conduct the polls even though it had been granted an extension until October 15, 2026. The commission stressed that electing office-bearers regularly is a legal obligation for every political party.
Legal requirements under the Elections Act 2017
Under the Elections Act 2017, intra-party polls are compulsory. Parties must also submit a compliance certificate within a week of holding them.
MQM-P has been given 14 days to respond. The ECP warned that failing to reply will lead to further legal action.
Risk of losing the election symbol
The notice warns that the party could be deprived of its election symbol if it does not hold intra-party elections. That would bar MQM-P from using the symbol in the next general elections.
