The Public Service Commission has advised civil servants on their involvement and conduct leading up to the September 17th National Elections, the Election Day and the immediate post-election period.
Permanent Secretary for the Public Service, Mr Parmesh Chand, said that the behavior of civil servants which is guided by the General Orders and the PSC Code of Conduct under the PSC Act of 1999, explicitly demands the political neutrality and impartiality of the Civil Service.
In a Circular dated August 1st that was distributed to all Ministries and Departments, the Public Service Commission also reminded government workers on the guidelines for political party membership and candidacy for elections.
Civil servants and government wage earners are reminded not to indulge in active political activities and must refrain completely from making public comments. PSC has reminded all civil servants that is a disciplinary offence for a civil servant to take part in political activities other than in the exercise of his/her normal duties.
The Public Service Values under Section 4 (7) of the Public Service Act 1999 guides the conduct of civil servants and reads: “The public service is apolitical, performing its functions in a neutral, impartial and professional way.”
Furthermore, it is stipulated under the General Orders 309 that “no officer or employee shall, without the express permission of the Public Service Commission and Permanent Secretary, whether on duty or leave of absences:
§ Act as the editor of any newspaper, magazine or periodical or take part directly or indirectly in the management thereof;
§ Contribute to, whether anonymously or otherwise, or publish in any newspaper, magazine or periodical or cause to be published in any manner, anything which may reasonably be regarded as of a political or administrative nature;
§ Speak in public or broadcast on any matter, which may reasonably be regarded as of a political or administrative nature;
§ Allow himself (herself) to be interview or express any opinion for publication on any issue of an administrative or political nature or on matters affecting the administration, defence or military resource of Fiji
While civil servants may be members of a political party, they may attend, vote and speak at only privately held meetings. This allows them to gauge information that would help them to make informed decisions. They can vote freely in the National Elections.
Civil servants are reminded not to attempt to publicly further the activities or aspirations of a political party, or an election candidate.
Civil servants who consider themselves as prospective candidates for election should not issue any statement, nor in any way publicly announce themselves as candidates or prospective candidates before informing the Public Service Commission or Permanent Secretary of their intention. Civil servants who have made public this intention, must immediately tender their resignation or retirement from the Service.
Civil servants are also reminded that public funds must not be used to meet the expenses of any political activity including claims for mileage or subsistence allowance. Political pamphlets and posters must not be distributed or displayed in government offices, buildings and quarters.
Mr Chand said that these guidelines are in place to ensure the political neutrality of the Public Service.
“These guidelines safeguard the interests of the Fijian people. All civil servants and public officers, regardless of the outcome of the Elections, now ensure that they will continue to work for the benefit of the everyday members of the public that they are called to serve without political interest impeding the process.”
-ENDS-