The Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) has issued a Circular advising Public Service members of their obligations if they intend to stand for election in the upcoming State ballot next March.
Alongside Circular 2022-07 Contesting Elections, DPC issued an FAQ sheet addressing the legislative and policy issues arising for employees contesting elections, including the difference between nomination and pre-selection as a candidate.
“Government sector employees must make sure that any participation in party political activities does not conflict with their primary duty as a public employee to serve the Government of the day in a politically neutral manner,” the DPC said.
“Government sector employees are not permitted to engage in activities of a party-political nature whilst on duty,” it said.
“Any candidate or person intending to stand should also ensure that, when making any political comments whilst not on duty, they are not identified in any way as acting or speaking in their capacity as a Government sector employee.”
DPC said Government sector employees should also consider any specific provisions of their Agency’s Code of Conduct affecting employment.
It said the general obligations on public sector employees contesting elections were to avoid conflicts of interest; avoid misuse of official information or resources; make no party political comment whilst on duty; and undertake duties in a politically neutral manner.
The Department said that when standing for State elections, Government employees were only required to resign when elected.
“If nominated as a candidate, a Government sector employee may apply for and be granted a leave of absence until the election is declared,” DPC said.
The new C2022-07 replaces C2018-04-PSCC2018-06 Contesting Elections.
C2022-07 can be accessed at this PS News link.
