Election Commission mandates political neutrality for re-employed officials

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a directive enforcing political neutrality for re-employed officials during the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) period in five poll-bound states: Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Manipur. This order specifically targets retired government officials who are re-engaged or contractually employed by state administrations. The ECI aims to prevent any systemic bias that could arise from these officials influencing the electoral process in favor of the ruling parties. Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers in the affected states are required to ensure immediate compliance with this directive. They must sensitize all departments regarding the necessity for these officials to maintain political neutrality and avoid participation in election campaigns or canvassing. The ECI has referenced its historical directives to reinforce that contractual or re-employed status does not exempt personnel from adhering to the MCC code. The ECI's move is intended to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure a level playing field in the upcoming assembly polls.