EC extends model code restrictions to re-employed government officials in poll-bound states

The Election Commission on Tuesday extended restrictions under the Model Code of Conduct to retired government officials and other persons engaged by the governments in poll-bound states, IANS reported.

The code is a set of guidelines issued by the poll panel that political parties, candidates and the government must follow during an election. It sets guardrails for speeches, campaigning, meetings, processions, election manifestos and other aspects of the polls.

In a letter to chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the poll panel said that all restrictions and prohibitions applicable to serving government officials will also apply to re-employed government officers and employees “for whom there are no specific guidelines or rules relating to their political neutrality and conduct”.

Assembly elections will be held early next year in all five states.

These officials have been barred from summoning any election-related officer of a constituency or district where polls have been announced, whether for discussions, meetings or video conferences.

They have also been barred from taking part in any election campaign or from canvassing for any individual or political party.

“Any omission or commission of any act in contravention of commission’s directions shall be viewed seriously,” read the the poll panel’s letter.

The election commission has issued similar restrictions ahead...

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