ISLAMABAD - After coming under staunch criticism from different sides, the Election Commission of Pakistan in a fresh notification has limited magisterial powers of military personnel set to be deployed in and outside the polling stations in upcoming elections.
The ECP had issued a notification on July 10, giving extended powers to the armed forces personnel to be deployed at polling stations across the country from July 23 to July 27 ‘for provision of secure environment to assist ECP in conduct of for free, fair and transparent manner.’
The appointment of 371,000 armed forces personnel in elections with magisterial powers were criticised by and large while Senators also on Saturday expressed serious reservations over such powers.