Election Commission wants to keep Army’s magistracy authority during polls

The Election Commission (EC) will submit a proposal to the Chief Adviser this week seeking to extend the Army’s magistracy powers during the February general elections.

Election Commissioner Abdur Rahman Masoud confirmed the development to Deutsche Welle.

If approved by Prof Yunus, the measure would allow the Army to operate as a key law enforcement body during the polls, alongside agencies such as the police, RAB, BGB, Ansar, and Coast Guard.

It would also authorize Army personnel to take action to maintain law and order during the elections without requiring prior approval from a magistrate.