STC warns public officers not to use SIG assets & resources for election campaign

The Secretary to Cabinet in the Office of the Prime Minister, Nego Sisilo, has issued a circular reminding public officers not to use government assets and resources for election campaigns.

In a circular to all permanent secretaries and other key people in the public service on March 20, Sisiolo said: “In accordance to the letter and spirit of General Orders [GO] C5011 I write to remind addressees and our public officials that government assets and resources are not allowed for use on any election campaign purposes. Specifically, government vehicles, outboard motors, and offices must not be used for election campaign purposes.”

He clearly states that there will be no exceptions or compromise to this Order because, as public officers, “we are required to remain apolitical in the course of serving a democratically elected government and its people.’

Furthermore, he adds, Political Party logos, symbols, pamphlets and campaign material must not be produced, nor distributed from any government premises or displayed anywhere in government offices including government rented premises.

Sisiolo adds this restriction also applies to logos, symbols, pamphlets and campaign material from independent candidates.

He reiterates that addresses are therefore requested to ensure that all public officers are made fully aware of this restriction.

“Any breach of the said GO provision will be investigated and may result in disciplinary actions considered against the person or persons responsible pursuant to the Public Service Commission’s regulation #44.