Election Commission of Pakistan has delegated first-class magistrate powers to the Presiding Officers at polling stations to ensure peaceful conduct of general elections on 8th of next month. According to the spokesman of ECP, all Presiding Officers will have the powers of magistrate from February 7 to 9 in the upcoming general elections on February 8. The spokesman said Presiding Officers will be able to conduct trials on the spot besides powers to proceed under Sections 169, 171 and 174 of the Election Act. He said the ECP has already granted the powers of a first-class magistrate to District Returning Officers and Returning Officers to ensure smooth electoral process. These powers can be utilized by ROs and DROs until official announcement of final results of general elections. Source: Radio Pakistan