The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct as it comes into effect immediately after the announcement of schedule today.
Ahead of election from the day of announcement of Lok Sabha polls date, the ECI enforce a detailed set of guidelines known as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to regulate the behaviour of political parties and candidates during elections. These guidelines aim to ensure fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral processes across the country.
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General Conduct
The MCC prohibits activities that could exacerbate social divisions or tensions, such as appealing to caste or communal feelings for electoral gains. It mandates that criticism of other parties should focus on their policies and past records rather than personal attacks. Furthermore, the code strictly prohibits corrupt practices like voter intimidation and bribery.
Meetings & Processions
Political parties are required to inform local police authorities in advance about the venue and timing of proposed meetings to facilitate traffic control and maintain peace. Organisers must comply with any restrictive orders in force and obtain necessary permissions for the use of loudspeakers or other facilities. Processions must adhere to specified routes and avoid causing disruptions to traffic.
Polling Day Protocols
On polling day, political parties must cooperate with election officers to ensure peaceful voting and refrain from distributing liquor or allowing unnecessary crowds near polling booths. Candidate camps should be simple and not display any propaganda material, and vehicles must comply with restrictions imposed on polling day.
Polling Booth Regulations
The Election Commission appoints observers to oversee polling booths, and candidates can raise any issues or complaints with them. The guidelines aim to maintain the integrity of polling stations and ensure the freedom of voters to exercise their franchise without interference.
Party in Power
According to the guidelines, political parties in power, whether at the central or state level, are instructed to refrain from using their official positions for election campaigning purposes. Specifically, ministers are prohibited from combining official visits with electioneering activities and from utilising official machinery or personnel for electoral purposes.
The guidelines further prohibit the use of government resources, including transport such as official aircraft, vehicles, and machinery, for furthering the interests of the ruling party. Additionally, public spaces and facilities, such as maidans and helipads, are not to be monopolised by the party in power, with equal access granted to all political parties and candidates.
Government accommodations, such as rest houses and dak bungalows, are to be fairly allocated and not monopolised by the ruling party or its candidates. While such accommodations may be used, they are not to serve as campaign offices or venues for election propaganda.
The guidelines also stress the avoidance of partisan advertisement at the expense of the public exchequer and the misuse of official mass media for political coverage during the election period. Ministers and authorities are prohibited from announcing financial grants, laying foundation stones, making promises, or making ad-hoc appointments that may influence voters in favour of the ruling party.
Furthermore, the guidelines specify that from the time elections are announced by the Election Commission, ministers and authorities must refrain from engaging in activities that could influence voters. This includes refraining from making financial promises or announcements, laying foundation stones, or making ad-hoc appointments.
Guidelines on Election Manifestos
In response to a Supreme Court directive, the Election Commission has framed guidelines for election manifestos to promote transparency and accountability. Manifestos should align with constitutional principles, avoid promises that could unduly influence voters, and provide a rationale for proposed measures. Additionally, there are prohibitory periods during which manifestos cannot be released to prevent last-minute attempts to sway voters.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) started in Kerala in 1960 during assembly elections to create rules for political parties. Over the last 60 years, it has evolved and is now used during all elections. The goal of MCC is to ensure fair and peaceful campaigning, voting, and counting, and prevent the misuse of government resources by the ruling party. It doesn't have legal backing but is agreed upon by everyone involved in elections. It starts when the Election Commission announces election dates and lasts until the process ends.