§ 126A-5-6.  Political hiring limited.

(a) Each agency shall select from the pool of the most qualified candidates as required by G.S. 126A-5-5, without regard to political affiliation or political influence.

(b) It is a violation of this section if all of the following are met:

(1) The complaining applicant timely applied for the position.

(2) The complaining applicant was not hired into the position.

(3) The complaining applicant was among the most qualified candidates applying for the position as compared to other applicants for the position using fair and valid selection criteria.

(4) The successful applicant for the position was not among the most qualified candidates for the position.

(5) The hiring decision was based upon political affiliation or political influence.  (2026-40, s. 1.)