He Ārahitanga Pōtitanga Whānui | General Election Guidance 2020 covers what it means to work in the State services before, during and after an election.
General elections are vital to our democratic form of government. This guidance supports the State services to maintain political neutrality and do the right thing during the election period.
It recognises State servants have the same rights to freedom of speech and political activity in their private lives as other New Zealanders.
There is information on the three phases of the election cycle: the pre-election period, election day and post-election period. The guidance looks at how the phases affect government business and processes. In particular, significant appointments, government advertising, policy advice and access by political parties to information from the sector during government formation negotiations.
All State servants have a role to play in supporting the integrity of our electoral process and the smooth transition between one government and the next.
More information will be added as we move through the election period.
He Ārahitanga Pōtitanga Whānui | General Election Guidance identifies common principles and obligations that will help people who work in the State services during the lead-up to, and immediately after the 2020 general election.
Update to General Election Guidance: the date of the 2020 General Election has been rescheduled to 17 October 2020. This means the pre-election period commenced on 17 July.
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