Army will be deployed at sensitive polling stations. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The election commission of Pakistan on Tuesday issued a notification empowering the local officer in charge of army personnel to exercise powers of a magistrate, if needed. The officers, however, will be restricted to operate within the Pakistan Army Act only.
“The Election Commission hereby authorises, each designated officer-in charge of the armed forces of an area, deployed for providing security inside and outside polling stations of that area of the following constituencies, to exercise powers of Magistrate of First Class on the polling day i.e. August 22, 2013, in respect of offences punishable under section 80, section 82A, section 83, section 84, section 85, section 86 and section 87 of the Representation of the People Act, 1976."
The officers were directed to "take cognizance of any such offence under any of the clauses of sub-section (1) of section 190 of the said Code of Criminal Procedure and to try any such offence in a summary way in accordance with the provisions of the said Code, relating to summary trials.”
Before the May 11 general elections, only the civilian presiding officers had been empowered with magesterial authority for the polling day only. The powers have been extended for three days now - one day before polling day, on polling day and the day after polls.
By-elections
By-elections in 42 constituencies (16 national and 26 provincial) will be held on August 22. Most of the seats were vacated by members who were elected from more than one seat.
The provincial assembly constituencies include 15 of Punjab assembly, four of Sindh and K-P assemblies each, and one of Balochistan assembly.
A total of 537 candidates are running for these seats.
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Re-elections in the country with magistarial powers to Army: PTI will clean sweep from KPK to Karachi!
Well not as if the Army doesnt hold absolute power anyways.
Should have done that in the General Elections as well.
Brilliant! And what rules will they apply; Pakistan Penal Code, Military rules, Islamic law, or Law of the jungle? Pakistan military should outsource border security to someone else and focus on the job it does the best; conquer Pakistan for good; just a suggestion!!