ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has empowered returning officers (ROs) and presiding officers (POs) with the authority equivalent to first-class magistrates to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming by-polls scheduled for April 21.
This measure extends to five National Assembly constituencies and 16 provincial assembly constituencies nationwide.
As per the ECP’s notification, district returning officers (DROs) and ROs have been granted magisterial powers under Section 193 of the Election Act of 2017.
During the by-elections occurring between April 20 and 22 across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan, as well as until the announcement of final results, POs will exercise these powers.
ROs and DROs are authorized to take action against candidates violating the ECP’s code of conduct, including utilizing the powers of a first-class magistrate for offenses under Section 169 and 171.
Additionally, they can initiate legal proceedings under Section 190 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and conduct summary trials per Chapter XX of the code.
The by-polls on various National Assembly seats were necessitated due to postponements on February 8, citing reasons such as the demise of contesting candidates and candidates contesting multiple seats. Furthermore, some seats were vacated by winners of dual seats.
The National Assembly constituencies for by-elections include NA-8 Bajaur, NA-44 Dera Ismail Khan-I, NA-119 Lahore-III, NA-132 Kasur-II, and NA-196 Kamber Shadadkot-I. NA-8 Bajaur’s election was suspended following the tragic death of an independent candidate.
NA-44 seat became vacant after newly-elected KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur opted to retain his provincial assembly seat. NA-119 Lahore-III seat was vacated as Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz opted for her won provincial seat.
NA-132 Kasur was vacated after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to retain his NA-123 Lahore-VII seat. Additionally, NA-196 Kamber Shadadkot-I in Sindh was vacated after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto opted to retain his Larkana seat.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
