In order to ensure the faithful application of the merit principle in the public service during pre and post-elections periods, the appointing authorities shall abstain from making any personnel transaction which includes the essential areas of the merit principle, such as appointments, promotions, demotions, or transfers; nor shall they be able to make changes or carry out compensation actions or changes of job category. Excepted from this prohibition are the changes resulting from the termination of a probation period and the imposition of disciplinary measures. Failure to comply with this measure shall entail the voiding of the transaction thus carried out.
This prohibition shall comprise the period of two (2) months before and two (2) months after the holding of the General Elections of Puerto Rico. Provided, That during said period, no personnel actions or changes whatsoever with a retroactive effect may be processed or registered in the personnel records.
Upon approval of the Director, exception from this prohibition may be made in the event of urgent and unpostponable needs of the service duly evinced and certified pursuant to the norms issued by the Office concerning this matter.
History —Aug. 3, 2004, No. 184, § 6.9.