The Upcoming Lok Sabha Elections Saw A Lot Of MCC Guidelines Being Violated, With Parties Displaying Their Advertising Material And Hoardings On Government Property
In the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections in Assam, there have been several instances where political parties have been found to be violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), sparking concerns and prompting swift action from authorities to address the issue. The MCC is put in place to ensure that elections are conducted fairly and without bias, but recent events have cast doubt on its effectiveness in the state.
One such incident occurred in Ulubari, where a hoarding belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was discovered inside the premises of a government office, specifically, the Executive Engineer (Agriculture) Office, Kamrup division.
This breach of MCC regulations was brought to light by Mira Borthakur, President of Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress, who expressed her dismay at the ruling party's disregard for the rules.
Borthakur emphasized on the rules that state political parties are prohibited from displaying advertising material on government property.
She also accused both the party and the department of flouting these guidelines.
She raised concerns about the impartiality of the department's employees and questioned whether the office was serving as a government entity or a BJP office.
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In response to the public outcry and media attention, the district administration took swift action, removing the illegal hoarding and issuing show cause notices to both the Agriculture Department and the BJP for their violation of MCC guidelines.
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However, further allegations surfaced, suggesting that the BJP had been distributing forms related to government schemes in a bid to sway voters, further compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
Meanwhile, in Kamrup (M), concerned citizens flagged numerous instances of illegal hoardings and posters related to political parties.
One citizen, Reetam Singh, drew attention to a hoarding near the Guwahati Club area that depicted the Prime Minister without proper attribution, violating MCC regulations. Prompted by such complaints, the district administration swung into action, removing a total of 30 unauthorised political advertisements and initiating penalties against those responsible.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) also intervened, directing all states and union territories to ensure that printers and publishers are clearly identified on election-related material, including hoardings, to promote transparency and accountability in campaign communications.
The ECI's directive underscores the importance of adhering to Section 127A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which mandates the inclusion of printer and publisher details on election materials.
This requirement serves as a crucial mechanism for regulating campaign financing and holding accountable those responsible for disseminating election-related content.
With the ECI's emphasis on combating misinformation and ensuring a level playing field, the liability now comes under printers, publishers, and authorities overseeing outdoor advertising spaces to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
As authorities crack down on MCC violations and enforce stricter regulations, the focus shifts towards maintaining the sanctity of elections and upholding democratic principles.
With the elections looming ahead, ensuring compliance with MCC guidelines and electoral laws remains paramount to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process in Assam.
Additionally, it's crucial for political parties to respect the boundaries set by the MCC to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
The MCC lays down guidelines that prohibit parties from engaging in activities that could potentially influence voters unfairly or disrupt the level playing field.
Violations of these guidelines not only undermine the integrity of the elections but also erode public trust in the democratic process.
In light of recent events, there is a pressing need for greater vigilance and enforcement of MCC regulations by both election authorities and political parties.
While the removal of illegal hoardings and issuance of show cause notices are important steps, there must be continued efforts to monitor and penalise any further violations.
Moreover, educating political parties and their supporters about the importance of adhering to MCC guidelines is essential to prevent future transgressions.
It's also imperative for citizens to remain vigilant and report any instances of MCC violations they observe.
Public awareness and engagement play a crucial role in holding political parties and authorities accountable and ensuring that elections are conducted fairly and transparently.
In conclusion, the recent incidents of MCC violations in Assam serve as a stark reminder of the challenges in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
By addressing these violations swiftly and decisively, authorities can reaffirm their commitment to fair and transparent elections, thereby strengthening democracy in the state.
