Impartiality and non-partisanship

Meaning

Impartiality is the absence of bias or favouritism. An impartial official judges every case on its facts and the law, not on the identity, status or connections of the people involved. Non-partisanship is impartiality in politics: civil servants keep their personal political views out of their work and serve each elected government loyally, whichever party is in power.

Key elements

• Equal treatment of all citizens
• Decisions on merit and law
• No favouritism based on family, wealth, religion, ethnicity, gender or politics
• Political neutrality of civil servants
• Giving honest, professional advice to ministers of any party
• Avoiding public political activity

Why it matters in public service

• Citizens must trust that the state will treat them fairly.
• A politicized civil service serves the party in power rather than the public and loses credibility when governments change.
• Impartiality protects the weak against the powerful.
• It ensures continuity and stability in administration.

In practice

• Applying rules equally to the powerful and the poor
• Recruiting, transferring and promoting staff on merit
• Ensuring equal facilities for all candidates during elections
• Not taking part in political campaigns or using office to support a party, as the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules require
• Recording reasons for decisions so that they can be checked

Threats and challenges

• Political interference in postings and transfers
• Patronage and 'sifarish' (influence) culture
• Personal loyalties to politicians
• Ethnic, sectarian or regional bias
• Fear of punishment for displeasing the powerful

Example

During an election, a district returning officer makes sure that polling arrangements, security and access to voters are exactly the same for every candidate, whichever party is in government, and refuses instructions to favour any of them.

Islamic perspective

The Quran commands: 'O you who believe, stand firmly for justice as witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents or relatives' (An-Nisa 4:135), and 'Let not the hatred of a people prevent you from being just' (Al-Ma'idah 5:8). Caliph Ali (RA) appeared before a judge in a dispute with a non-Muslim, and the judge decided against the Caliph.

Conclusion

Impartiality and non-partisanship make the civil service a servant of the state and the people, not of any individual or party. They are essential for public trust and democratic stability.