ISLAMABAD: As preparations for the February 8 elections enter the final stages, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has granted the Returning Officers (ROs) and District Returning Officers (DROs) deputed across the country the powers of magistrate for the conduct of polls.
With almost all arrangements for security and conduct of polls made, the nation is set to go to polls next month.
The top electoral body Friday issued a notification in this regard, stating that the step has been taken under Section 193 of the Elections Act, 2017.
The notification stated the ROs and DROs have been authorised to exercise the powers of first class magistrate under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, with immediate effect and until the consolidation and announcement of official results of the polls.
“The aforesaid officers shall exercise the powers of Magistrate First Class in respect of the offences defined in Section 169 and Section 171 punishable under Section 174 of Elections Act, 2017 (Act No. XXXIII of 2017) and may take cognizance of any such offence under Section 190 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and shall try it summarily under Chapter XX of the Code,” the notification stated.
On Thursday, the ECP directed the armed forces set to be deployed for election duty not to assume the duties of the polling staff under any circumstances.
The federal cabinet, on Ministry of Interior’s recommendations, unanimously approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army and the civil armed forces personnel in sensitive constituencies during the upcoming general elections in all four provinces and Islamabad.
The troops would help the civil administration in holding elections slated to be held in less than two weeks.
