ECP grants magistrate powers to ROs, POs

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has granted returning officers (ROs) and presiding officers (POs) powers equivalent to those of first-class magistrates to ensure the seamless execution of the forthcoming by-elections on five National and 16 provincial assembly constituencies scheduled for April 21.

District returning officers (DROs) and ROs were vested with magisterial powers as per the notification issued by the ECP, in adherence to Section 193 of the Election Act 2017.

These officers have the authority equivalent to that of a magistrate's first-class concerning offences outlined in Sections 169 and 171.

They can also initiate legal proceedings under Section 190 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and conduct summary trials as per Chapter XX of the code.