MCQ Detailed View

The total number of District Election Commissioner (DEC) offices in Pakistan is 131. Each office represents one district and serves as the local operational branch of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). These offices are essential for implementing election laws, maintaining transparency, and ensuring free and fair elections at the grassroots level.

The DEC office is headed by the District Election Commissioner, who plays a vital role in the election process. Key responsibilities include:

• Supervising the conduct of general, by-elections, and local government polls in the district;


• Acting as the District Returning Officer (DRO) in general elections;


• Overseeing nomination papers and scrutiny of candidates;


• Maintaining and updating electoral rolls for all constituencies within the district;


• Monitoring political campaigns to ensure compliance with the election code of conduct;


• Coordinating with district administration and law enforcement for smooth polling operations.

The Election Commission of Pakistan Act, 2017 and relevant constitutional provisions empower these offices to act independently, without influence from federal or provincial governments. They also play a crucial role in voter education, facilitating voting for persons with disabilities, and ensuring polling stations are accessible and secure.

Pakistan currently has 131 districts, and each district has exactly one DEC office. This structure ensures that election management is decentralized, enabling efficient decision-making and faster response to electoral challenges in remote areas. The presence of DEC offices across the country strengthens public trust in the electoral system and reinforces the ECP’s mandate to conduct impartial elections.

In summary, the network of 131 DEC offices is the backbone of Pakistan’s election infrastructure, making them a critical component of the democratic process.