Election Commission Bans Retired Officials From Election Campaigning

The Election Commission of India extended Model Code of Conduct restrictions to retired government officials and individuals re-employed or engaged by state and Union Territory governments. In a directive issued November 9, the commission ordered these individuals to maintain strict political neutrality and refrain from election campaigning or canvassing.

The order specifically prohibits the use of official positions or authority to favor any political party or candidate. It further bars retired officials from summoning election-related officers for meetings or video conferences in constituencies where elections have been announced. This measure addresses a regulatory gap, as existing conduct rules primarily applied to serving employees.

The commission issued these instructions to chief secretaries and chief electoral officers in Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, all of which are scheduled for Assembly elections early next year. The move follows complaints that some retired officials were using their positions to influence poll-related functioning by convening meetings with officials involved in election work. The commission warned that any contravention of these directions "shall be viewed seriously."