EC moves to define armed forces as law-enforcing agencies in RPO reform proposal

The Election Commission (EC) has submitted a series of proposals to the Cabinet Division and Parliament Secretariat recommending the inclusion of the armed forces in the definition of law-enforcing agencies under the Representation of the People Order (RPO).

The proposed amendment would allow the deployment of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in election-related duties, alongside police and other existing law-enforcing bodies.

By doing so, the EC aims to ensure that the armed forces can play a more direct role in maintaining law and order during the election process.

The commission’s Secretary Akhtar Ahmed confirmed that the reform commission’s "immediately implementable" proposals had been sent to the government.

These proposals were forwarded to the cabinet secretary and legislative and parliamentary affairs secretary on Wednesday, in response to an “urgent” request made by the Cabinet Division in mid-March.

If approved, this reform would mark the first time in 15 years that the RPO’s definition of law-enforcing agencies would include defence services, facilitating the deployment of military personnel in election duties.