{
  "id": 19318109,
  "title": "ECI extends model code restrictions to retired Govt officials engaged by States",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/10/eci-extends-model-code-restrictions-to-retired-govt-officials-engaged",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-10T10:26:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/eci-extends-model-code-restrictions-to-retired-govt-officials-engaged-by-states/article71685602.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On November 10, 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) restrictions for serving government employees will extend to retired government officials and individuals hired by State and Union Territory governments. In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of five states - Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand - all set to hold elections in the near future, the ECI emphasized the necessity for these individuals to remain politically neutral. They are prohibited from engaging in election campaigns or canvassing. The ECI's directive mandates that any communication terms and conditions must be written in English using full sentences. Abusive or personal comments are strictly forbidden, and the community guidelines must be strictly followed. The ECI has migrated to a new commenting platform, and existing registered users can continue using their accounts. New users will need to register and log in to participate in the comments section.",
  "summary": "The Election Commission of India said such individuals must maintain political neutrality and refrain from participating in election campaigns or canvassing",
  "key_points": [
    "ECI extends Model Code of Conduct to retired government officials.",
    "Restrictions apply to five states holding upcoming elections.",
    "Communication must be in English, follow community guidelines."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Expanding the Model Code of Conduct to former officials and state-hired personnel closes a potential loophole that could allow government-funded influence to compromise the political neutrality of upcoming elections.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}