The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has amended the rules for the appointment of District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs), making it mandatory to investigate the service records of government officers appointed for election duty. The new rules stipulate that ROs must be of at least grade 17, while DROs must be of grade 18 or above. In addition, officers with a good reputation and at least one year of service remaining until retirement must be appointed as DROs, and officers with at least six months of service remaining until retirement must be appointed as ROs.

The ECP has also decided to appoint a separate Assistant Presiding Officer (APO) for each booth in a polling station. Officers with less than six months of service remaining until retirement will not be posted as DROs, ROs, or APOs. The new rules are aimed at ensuring the transparency and impartiality of the electoral process. By investigating the service records of government officers appointed for election duty and appointing only those with a good reputation, the ECP hopes to minimize the risk of fraud and abuse.

The ECP's decision to amend the rules for the appointment of DROs, ROs, and APOs has been welcomed by civil society organizations and political parties. They believe that the new rules will help to improve the credibility of the electoral process and strengthen democracy in Pakistan.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)