Election Commission authorizes District Returning Officers and Returning Officers for conduct of General Elections-2024

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26 (SABAH): In exercise of powers conferred under Section 193 of the Elections Act. 2017 (Act No. XXXIII of 2017), the Election Commission hereby authorizes the District Returning Officers and Returning Officers appointed for the conduct of General Elections-2024 to the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Balochistan scheduled to be held on 08th February, 2024 to exercise the powers of the Magistrate of the First Class under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898); with immediate effect and until the consolidation and announcement of official results.

The aforesaid officers shall exercise the powers of Magistrate First Class in respect of the offences defined in Section 169 and Section 171 punishable under Section 174 of Elections Act, 2017 (Act No. XXXIII of 2017) and may take cognizance of any such offence under Section 190 of the Code of Criminal procedure and shall try it summarily under Chapter XX of the Code.