Akbar S. Babar, a founding member of the PTI who is now estranged, has requested the Election Commission of Pakistan to ensure that all political parties hold intra-party elections before the upcoming general elections on February 8. Babar had previously filed a complaint against the PTI’s intra-party elections, claiming they were rigged and fraudulent. The polls, which took place earlier in the month, were met with criticism from Babar and leaders of other major parties. Babar has requested the ECP to enforce rules on all political parties to prevent the recycling of failed leadership and hindered progression within party structures. He also demanded that the PTI’s bat symbol be put on hold until fair intra-party polls are conducted. Babar emphasized the need for credible and competent leadership to emerge from within political parties and suggested that independent third-party monitors oversee the election process.