Cabinet Division bars transfer of election officials until 15 days after polls
The directive was issued to all ministries, divisions, directorates, departments and agencies through a circular yesterday (21 December).
The Cabinet Division has directed that officials and employees engaged in duties related to the upcoming national parliamentary election and referendum must not be transferred until 15 days after the publication of the election results.
The directive was issued to all ministries, divisions, directorates, departments and agencies through a circular yesterday (21 December).
The circular also instructed all officials and employees to assist the Election Commission impartially, urging the concerned ministries, divisions, directorates, departments and agencies to ensure prompt compliance.
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According to the circular, voting for the national election and the referendum will be held simultaneously on 12 February 2026. To ensure the uninterrupted conduct of election activities, all ministries, divisions, directorates, departments and agencies have been asked to refrain from granting leave, transferring personnel involved in election duties, or assigning them responsibilities that could hamper election-related work until the process is completed.
The circular noted that, for the smooth conduct of election-related activities, presiding officers, assistant presiding officers and polling officers will need to be appointed from among officials and employees of government, semi-government, autonomous and semi-autonomous offices and institutions, and in some cases from private offices or institutions.
A significant number of teachers from government, government-aided and private educational institutions may also be appointed as polling officials and assigned other election-related responsibilities.
In addition, buildings of various educational institutions will be required to be used as polling centres, along with furniture and other facilities for election purposes.
The circular further stated that officials serving on deputation while performing election duties will remain under the control of the Election Commission and, where applicable, the returning officer, and will be bound to comply with all lawful orders and instructions issued by them.
During this period, election-related responsibilities will take precedence, and all officials and employees must ensure the urgent execution of any lawful directives issued by the returning officer.
