The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed that individuals — including retired government officials who have been re-employed, appointed or engaged by state governments in various capacities — must strictly maintain political neutrality during the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) period, IANS reported from New Delhi on Tuesday, November 10.

Source: IANS via Hi India

The direction was sent in a communication to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand — the five states where Assembly elections are due early next year, in 2027.

What the direction bars

The poll body clarified that such individuals must refrain from participating in election campaigns, canvassing, or any activity that could indicate support for a particular political party or candidate. It also prohibited them from using their names, official designations, positions or authority to favour any individual, political party or group during the election period.

The Commission specifically barred this category of officials from summoning election-related officials posted in constituencies or districts where elections have been announced, for official discussions or meetings.

Closing a gap in the rules

The ECI noted that the Conduct Rules applicable in the states already prohibit serving government servants from participating in political activities and electoral campaigning — but that there were no specific guidelines or rules on political neutrality and conduct during the MCC period for retired officials and employees attached, engaged, employed or re-employed by state and Union Territory governments. The new direction extends the restrictions that apply to serving employees to this category as well.

5States the direction covers
2027Assembly elections due
1Neutrality standard for serving and re-employed officials

The move is part of the Commission's wider preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections in the five states. The ECI had earlier, on October 27, directed the same five states to complete transfers of election-related officers — those posted in their home districts or who have served three years in one district — by November 30, 2026.