ECP grants first-class magistrate powers to DRO, ROs for Islamabad LG polls

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has empowered the district returning officer (DRO) and returning officers (ROs) appointed for Islamabad’s local government elections with the powers of first-class magistrates, enabling them to take legal action against election-related offences.

The ECP has scheduled local government elections in Islamabad for December 20. According to the ECP notification issued on October 21, polling will be held continuously from 8am to 4pm, while the commission has also imposed restrictions on transfers, postings and development announcements in the capital for the duration of the election process.

According to a notification issued by the ECP on October 23, the powers took effect immediately and will remain in force until the official announcement of the election results.

Under the notification, the DRO and ROs are authorised to exercise first-class magistrate powers in respect of offences defined under Sections 169 and 171 of the Elections Act, 2017, which are punishable under Section 174 of the law.

The officers may take cognisance of such offences under Section 190 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, and conduct summary trials in accordance with Chapter XX of the code.

The powers are intended to enable prompt action against violations that disrupt the electoral process.

Nomination papers to be filed from November 2

The ECP will issue the public notice inviting nomination papers on October 30, followed by the filing of nomination papers from November 2 to November 6.

The names of nominated candidates will be published on November 7, while scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from November 9 to 13.

Candidates will be able to file appeals against decisions of returning officers from November 14 to November 18, while appellate authorities will decide those appeals between November 19 and 23.

A revised list of candidates will be published on November 24.

Candidates will have until November 25 to withdraw their nomination papers, after which the final revised list will be issued. Election symbols will be allotted to contesting candidates on November 26, clearing the way for the final phase of campaigning ahead of polling day.

The ECP has also scheduled the consolidation of results between December 21 and December 24.