The Election Commission of India extended Model Code of Conduct restrictions to retired officials engaged by state governments. In a letter dated 9 November, the EC said these individuals must maintain political neutrality. They cannot use their former positions to favour any party, ensuring the fairness of the electoral process remains.
Retired officials must maintain political neutrality and refrain from influencing election processes, says Election Commission
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) restrictions, traditionally applicable only to serving government employees, to include retired officials engaged, employed, or re-employed by state governments during election periods.
In a letter dated 9 November addressed to the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand on November 9, the EC has said that the retired officials must maintain strict political neutrality and refrain from participating in election campaigns or canvassing.
The instructions further clarify that such officials cannot misuse their former positions or authority to favour any political party or candidate.
The EC also reaffirmed that MCC provisions apply to all organisations, committees, corporations and commissions wholly or partly funded by the government.
This move is aimed at preventing the misuse of official influence by retired officials and safeguarding the fairness of the electoral process.