Imran Khan's nomination papers rejected by elections committee

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
30 Dec 2023 22:09
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Citing Khan's conviction by the court of law, Pakistan's elections committee has said that the ex-PM is not allowed to run for February's elections.

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan (C) leaves after appearing in the Supreme Court in Islamabad, Pakistan, on July 24, 2023. (AFP)

Pakistan's election body rejected on Saturday former Prime Minister Imran Khan's nomination to the 2024 national elections in two constituencies, according to Pakistani officials and Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Khan was imprisoned by authorities in August 2023, on several charges, including leaking state secrets and selling state gifts while in office. Corruption convictions meant that the former Prime Minister was disqualified from running for the February 8 elections, however, he still decided to file nomination papers on Friday.

The former cricket star found himself among a list of fellow Lahorians whose nominations were rejected by the Election Commission of Pakistan. The commission said that Khan was not a registered voter of the constituency because he was "convicted by the court of law and has been disqualified."

Khan, who has been detained since August, asserts that the military is collaborating with dynastic parties that have traditionally dominated Pakistan to quash his populist movement and hinder him from running for office.

Nawaz Sharif accepted despite life ban

The election commission also rejected nomination papers submitted by other senior party members, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, vice chairman of PTI.

In addition to Khan, the election commission has also rejected nomination papers submitted by other senior party members, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the vice chairman of Khan's party.

On the other hand, authorities accepted former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's nominations, although he has been banned for life from holding any public office. A hearing on Sharif's ban is expected in January.

Imran Khan's removal from the position of prime minister in April of the previous year triggered several months of political turmoil. This period was marked by a campaign against influential military officials, ultimately leading to a state crackdown on PTI.

Authorities have gone after Khan with more than 150 cases, from murder to corruption and inciting violence. The charges coincided with upcoming constitutionally mandated elections, which were announced a few days following Khan's detainment.

Since the disbandment of parliament on August 10, election day has been postponed several times, to a final date of February 8.