ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has authorised the district returning officer and returning officer for the by-election in NA-246 (Karachi) to exercise the powers of first class magistrate.

The powers to them were given under the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 till the consolidation and announcement of official results of the by-election in the constituency concerned.

The officers will have the powers to conduct summary trial of people involved in impersonation, capturing of polling stations, tampering with nomination and ballot papers and other election-related corrupt practices.

Read: ECP to hold by-polls in NA-246 under Rangers' supervision

Presiding officers for the by-election have also been given similar powers for three days, starting a day before the polling scheduled to take place on April 23.

The seat has fallen vacant after Nabeel Gabol, who was elected member of the National Assembly from the constituency on the ticket of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, resigned after developing differences with the MQM’s leadership.

The constituency known as the MQM’s stronghold has witnessed tension during the election campaign amid scuffles between supporters of the MQM and the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf. A camp office of the PTI’s candidate has been attacked.

Also read: Karachi's NA-246 by-poll: A three-way contest

It has been decided that Rangers will be deployed in and outside polling stations to allow people to cast votes without any pressure or coercion.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2015

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