Summary
Civil servants and public officials should be obliged by law to act neutrally and impartially.
Obligations
Election Parts
Quotes
- Public service agents shall demonstrate professionalism, transparency and impartiality in the performance of their duties.
- They solemnly declare that among those elements of justice which are essential to the full expression of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all human beings are the following: (5.4) a clear separation between the State and political parties; in particular, political parties will not be merged with the State.
- Public authorities shall act in accordance with the principle of equality.
- Public authorities shall act in accordance with the principle of impartiality.
- Public authorities shall act in accordance with the principle of proportionality.
- In order to ensure neutrality of the civil service during electoral processes and consequently to avoid any risk of conflict of interest, the legal framework should provide for a clear separation between the exercise of politically sensitive public positions, in particular senior management positions, and candidacy. In this respect, the legal framework should provide for a range of adequate and proportionate rules. Such rules may include a clear instruction on how and when campaigning in a personal capacity may be conducted, suspension from office or resignation of certain public authorities running for elections.