ECP issues show-cause notice to MQM-P over intra-party polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a show-cause notice to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) for failing to hold mandatory intra-party elections within the extended deadline of October 15, 2026.

According to the ECP, the notice was issued on October 26, giving the party 14 days to explain its failure to meet the legal requirement.

The commission said that political parties were required under the Elections Act 2017 to hold regular elections for their office-bearers and submit an election certificate within seven days of completing the process.

The ECP warned that failure to respond could lead to further legal action.

It also said that the MQM-P could lose its eligibility to obtain an election symbol, which may be withheld from the party for the next general elections if it does not conduct intra-party polls.