ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has extended first-class magistrate powers to Presiding Officers to facilitate the smooth conduct of the upcoming general elections 2024 in Pakistan, local media reported on Wednesday.
All Presiding Officers will possess magisterial authority, allowing them to conduct on-the-spot trials and exercise powers under Sections 169, 171, and 174 of the Election Act during from February 7 to 9.
This delegation of powers is an additional measure by the ECP to ensure the efficient execution of the electoral process.
Earlier, District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) were also granted first-class magistrate powers in accordance with Section 193 of the Election Act 2017.
These magisterial powers for ROs and DROs will be applicable in the provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan until the official announcement of final results for both national and provincial assemblies’ candidates. —APP
