Originally posted in The Business Standard on 29 February 2026
The Election Commission (EC) has instructed government officials and employees to refrain from taking part in any kind of campaign in favour of either “Yes” or “No”.
In this regard, the Election Commission Secretariat issued directives today (29 January) stating that under Section 21 of the Referendum Ordinance, 2025, and Article 86 of the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, any person employed in the service of the republic may inform or make the public aware about the referendum.
However, he or she cannot, in any way, call upon voters to cast votes in favour of either “Yes” or “No” in the referendum.
