The conflict that wasn’t declared is the one that kills the round
Perceived conflicts sink more rounds than actual ones.
The MPC treats conflict of interest declarations as central evidence in promotion reviews. Not just actual conflicts, perceived conflicts. A reasonable member of the public asking whether a panel member’s private relationship with a candidate might influence their judgement is, in itself, enough to raise the issue.
The failure mode is consistent. A panel member declares “I know them a bit” verbally at the start of the round, no further record is kept, and the relationship turns out to be closer than declared. On review, the panel has no evidence of how the conflict was considered, mitigated, or cleared. The process is indefensible regardless of the actual outcome.
Declare in writing. Assess the perception test, not just the actuality. Document the mitigation.