The Election Commission has turned down the Awami National Party’s (ANP) plea for a six-month extension for its intra-party elections. The decision was made by a five-member bench led by the Chief Election Commissioner during a hearing on the matter.

ANP Secretary General, Mian Iftikhar, appeared before the Election Commission to present the party’s request. Election Commission officials highlighted that the last intra-party election of ANP took place in May 2019, and according to the party’s constitution, intra-party elections are scheduled every four years. The ANP’s internal elections were originally slated for May 2023, and the party had sought a further extension.

The Election Commission’s rejection of the extension request implies that ANP will need to adhere to its internal election schedule as outlined in its constitution. This decision underscores the importance of timely intra-party elections in maintaining the democratic processes within political entities.